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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?

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
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.

The symptoms of mania

Three young people sit on a bench talking and laughing. The person on the left has their back to the camera and wears a dark blue jacket. The person in the middle has long wavy hair and wears a black and white jacket. The person on the right has curly hair and wears a green jacket.

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
  • 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

Getting help and support for mania and hypomania

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
A young Black man smiling 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

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
Three people chatting outside.
For others, stability is the norm, but it’s not usually like that for us, and that’s ok. Just because we need more support to ensure a stable mood doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.
Caitlin, 20
The afterlife of the party: Moving on from a manic episode
The most stable I became was when taking that particular 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

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

    Free, short-term online counselling for young people aged 25 or under. Their website also provides lots of information and advice about mental health and wellbeing. 

    Email support is available via their online contact form.

    They have a free 1-2-1 webchat service available during opening hours.

    Opening times:
    4pm - 11pm, Monday - Friday
    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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