Mania is when you have lots of energy and feel really hyper for a period of time. It’s not like normal excitement you might feel – it’s really intense and can go on for weeks. You might have heard this called an ‘episode’. During an episode, you might do or say things you normally wouldn’t.
Hypomania is a milder form of mania. It can still affect your life, but it might feel less intense and episodes usually don’t last as long. For an episode to be mania it usually lasts a week or more. An episode of hypomania lasts four days or more.
Some people like the feelings that come up during an episode and don’t want it to stop. But it can also be really distressing. Everyone goes through episodes differently and whatever you feel is okay.
Mania and hypomania can happen on their own. But they can also be connected to other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
Mania and hypomania have the same symptoms, but hypomania might feel less intense. Here are some common symptoms:
Some people with mania might also go through psychosis. This is where you hear or see things that other people can’t. This is not a symptom of hypomania.
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.
We don’t know the reasons why some people have mania or hypomania. But if you have a family member with mania or hypomania, you’re more likely to have it too.
There are certain things that can trigger an episode, like:
Knowing your triggers can help you take care of yourself and stop future episodes. It can feel like a lot, but there is help and support for you. Find out how to get help below or contact a helpline.
During an episode, most people don’t know they’re having an episode.
If you’re dealing with mania or hypomania, talk to someone you trust. Let them know what to look out for and how you’d like them to help if they notice something’s not right.
It’s common to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable after an episode. You might have acted differently to normal and now feel worried about seeing your friends. This can be really distressing.
But remember it’s not your fault. Treat yourself with kindness, like you would a friend who was going through the same thing. You could also try out some self-care activities to look after yourself when you feel well enough.
Feeling tired after an episode is normal, especially if you haven’t slept much. After each episode, talk to someone you trust like a friend or parent. Let them know if you start to feel like things are getting a bit much. They can help you get the right support.
If you think you have mania or hypomania, talk to your GP. Before your appointment, try using a mood-tracking tool, like Bipolar UK’s app. You can use this to show your doctor how your mood changes.
Your doctor can help you to find the right support. If you’re under 18, this will be with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). If you’re over 18, this will be with your local community mental health team (CMHT).
If you have intense symptoms and can’t take care of yourself, you might be sent to hospital. Hospital is a safe space for you to recover and get the help you need.
If you don’t want to go to hospital, you might feel panicky. It’s normal to be worried about things that feel out of your control. Our guide can help you know what to expect and your rights during inpatient care.
Having a manic or hypomanic episode can feel scary and confusing. But remember, these episodes will pass and there is help.
If you’ve been diagnosed, a doctor might give you antipsychotic medication. If that doesn’t work, they might try a mood stabiliser, especially if you have bipolar disorder.
Some medications might stop these drugs working or make you feel worse. Speak to your doctor about what’s right for you. Before stopping any medication, make sure to speak to your doctor first.
In severe cases that won’t stop, doctors might suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This is where a doctor sends an electric current through the brain to stop symptoms. It might sound scary, but it’s only used when it’s really needed. If you’re worried about this, speak to your doctor.
After an episode, your doctor might suggest therapy. It helps you to find ways to cope, spot negative thought patterns and the things that make you feel bad. It can also help you find ways to stop and manage future episodes. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common therapy for mania and hypomania. It can help you to change unhelpful thinking and behaviours.
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.
It can be tough to take care of yourself during an episode. You can feel like you’re in overdrive or things are spiralling, but there are ways to get back control.
Tracking your mood can help you spot any early warning signs. Bipolar UK’s app can help you keep track. If you feel like you’re about to have an episode, you can get the help you need before things start to spiral.
Have a plan of how people can support you and some positive words to ground you. This plan can look however you want it to. Think about what you do during an episode and if there are things you want to stop happening. Like if you spend too much money, you could put a limit on your card or give your money to someone you trust.
Not sleeping enough can be a trigger for mania and hypomania. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can really help you get enough sleep. If you’re struggling with sleeping, we have some advice in our guide to sleep problems.
Drugs and alcohol can trigger episodes or make the symptoms worse. Try to avoid using them completely, if you can.
A self-soothe box is like your personal rescue kit for when things get too much. When you’re feeling good, fill a box with things that make you feel grounded. Having this can make you feel centred and calm at the start of an episode.
If things are feeling too much, talk to someone you trust. That could be a friend, family member, teacher or faith leader. Sharing your worries with them can help stop things piling on top of you. Read our advice on reaching out for help.
Seeing someone you love having an episode can be tough. They might not be acting like themselves, which can be really overwhelming. It’s not on you to fix how they’re feeling, but there are ways you can help.
If you’re finding it hard to know how to support someone with their mental health, get more advice in our guides.
If you're worried about your mood or feeling out of control, here are some organisations who can support you.
Provides information and a peer support service for people affected by bipolar, including friends and family. Find a local support group.
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.
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.
This page was reviewed in June 2024.
It was co-created by young people with lived experience of mania and hypomania.
We will next review the page in 2027.
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