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A guide for young people Mania and hypomania

If you think you might have mania or hypomania, you're not alone. Find out more about the condition and what to do if you're affected by it.

What is mania?

A boy sitting alone on the end of his bed and appearing deep in thought.

Mania is a feeling of being extremely 'high', with lots of energy and enthusiasm. It's different from a normal good mood, because the feelings are very intense and go on continuously for a long time.

Mania can appear as part of bipolar disorder, or on its own.

Hypomania is a milder form of mania.

Find out more about bipolar disorder
A young woman with curly hair wearing a blue denim jacket is smiling and talking with two young men in the park.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel. You will get through this with the help of family, friends, your counsellor, your psychiatrist and a good support network.
Christopher
Learning to live with bipolar disorder

The symptoms of mania

A group of students wearing school uniform sit at their desks in a classroom and write in their textbooks.

Mania and hypomania symptoms are the same, but hypomania episodes are milder or shorter.

Just because you experience one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re definitely affected by mania. It’s important to talk to your GP to get a full diagnosis.

How to speak to your GP

Here are some common symptoms of mania and hypomania:

  • feeling ‘high' or intense happiness
  • increased confidence and energy
  • increased irritability and aggression
  • heightened senses
  • not needing much sleep
  • getting easily distracted
  • talking a lot and very fast
  • feeling full of ideas
  • difficulty relaxing
  • being more social
  • risky behaviour, like going on a spending spree
  • increased sexual desire
  • poor judgement
When I have a manic episode I can’t sleep for days, my head starts racing with lots of thoughts and it affects my behaviour and mental health.
Christopher

Getting help and support for mania and hypomania

A boy comforting his upset friend by putting with his hand on his shoulder while they sit in a park.

Take the first step

If you're experiencing extreme moods, talk to someone you like and trust, like a teacher, relative, counsellor or friend.

You should also see your GP. They may offer to refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), an expert or a psychiatrist who can help you.

Remember that you are not alone - help is available.

Reaching out for help

Treating mania

Both mania and bipolar disorder can be easily treated. You might be offered medication or therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

You may be asked to keep a mood diary to help you keep track of any patterns in your mood and triggers like alcohol or stress.

Find out more about medication
My mood, which was swinging rather violently at the time, became more manageable, and the scarily fast pace of life I seemed to be living, did appear to slow down.
What it’s like to take lithium

More information and support

Get help now

Where to get help

If you're worried about your mood or feeling out of control you are not alone. Here are some organisations who can support you.

  • Samaritans

    Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Samaritans

  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Childline

  • The Mix

    Offers online information as well as helpline support to under-25s about anything that’s troubling them.

    Email support is available via their online contact form.

    Free 1-2-1 webchat service and telephone helpline available.

    Opening times:
    4pm - 11pm, seven days a week
    The Mix

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

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Please note:

This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you are at risk of immediate harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about your mental health, call: Childline (for under 19s) on 0800 11 11; or Samaritans on 116 123.

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