Introduction
Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenging and unpredictable experience. Mania, in particular, can be a great teacher, but its lessons are often difficult to remember, especially when the next manic episode hits. In this article, we will explore five tough lessons learned from mania, and how they can help individuals with bipolar disorder navigate their condition.
Lesson 1: Sometimes it’s Best to Go with the Stupid Flow
Mania can make individuals feel incredibly confident and capable, leading them to take risks and make bold decisions. However, this can also lead to reckless behavior and poor judgment. A personal anecdote from the author’s experience as an entertainment attorney working on a major studio lawsuit highlights the importance of running manic ideas by someone you trust before acting on them.
The author recalls staying up all night to rearrange case files according to date, only to have their partner order them to put the files back the way they were. This experience taught the author the importance of respecting authority and following rules, even when they feel like they’re holding them back.
Key Takeaway:
Run your manic ideas by someone you trust before acting on them.
Lesson 2: Rules are Not Suggestions
When individuals with bipolar disorder are in a manic state, they may feel like they can break rules and get away with it. However, this can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble and damage to relationships. The author shares a personal experience of ignoring a warning label on a prescribed psychiatric drug and mixing it with alcohol, which led to a range of negative consequences.
This lesson highlights the importance of following rules and respecting authority, even when it feels like they’re holding you back. It’s essential to remember that rules exist for a reason, and breaking them can have serious consequences.
Key Takeaway:
Breaking a rule may just leave you broken.
Lesson 3: Binge-Anything is Bad
Binge-eating, binge-watching, and binge-happy are all behaviors that can be detrimental to individuals with bipolar disorder. These behaviors can lead to a range of negative consequences, including weight gain, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels. The author shares a personal experience of binge-eating and binge-watching, and how these behaviors affected their mental and physical health.
This lesson highlights the importance of moderation and self-care. It’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions, rather than turning to destructive behaviors.
Key Takeaway:
Try to moderate moderately.
Lesson 4: Xanax Has an Evil Twin
Xanax and other benzodiazepines can be highly addictive and lead to a range of negative consequences. The author shares a personal experience of taking multiple Xanax pills in a row, and how this led to a range of problems, including memory loss and decreased cognitive function.
This lesson highlights the importance of following a doctor’s orders and being mindful of medication use. It’s essential to remember that medication is a tool to help manage symptoms, not a solution to problems.
Key Takeaway:
Listen to your doctor and follow their orders.
Lesson 5: There’s No Such Thing as Instant Intimacy
Mania can make individuals feel incredibly charming and charismatic, leading them to form intense connections with others. However, this can also lead to problems, including manipulation and exploitation. The author shares a personal experience of feeling irresistible to others when they were in a manic state, and how this led to problems in their relationships.
This lesson highlights the importance of being wary of disclosing secrets to people you’ve just met. It’s essential to take the time to get to know someone before sharing personal information or forming close relationships.
Key Takeaway:
Be wary of disclosing secrets to people you’ve just met.
Conclusion
Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenging and unpredictable experience. Mania, in particular, can be a great teacher, but its lessons are often difficult to remember. By learning from these tough lessons, individuals with bipolar disorder can navigate their condition and develop healthy coping strategies.
Remember, going to extremes is usually just that: too extreme. If you don’t believe me, ask Icarus.
