Mania? Hypomania? Average moods?

Question:

I wonder, do those of you with bipolar disorder have a clear idea of when you're becoming hypomanic? I know when I'm depressed, but it seems like people are less aware of becoming manic. I'm at high risk for being bipolar, and have been experiencing things that make me think I may be having hypomanic episodes (unbidden feelings of glee with the urge to laugh, uncharacteristic aggresive driving, intense period of awareness of other people in public and wanting to lash out at people getting too close to me). Anyway, what I really want to know, besides if anyone can relate, is this: Do bipolar people KNOW when they are manic? I know when I'm depressed, and I have a feeling when I may be hypomanic, but thinking about it tends to exagerate the situation.

Answers:
Most people with bipolar do not know they are having a manic episode but some like myself see it coming from a mile off but once its hit its hard to see it full on. if you suffer only with hypomaina then it would be more type ll bipolar or possibly Cyclothymic Disorder a mild form of bipolar. I have type ll bipolar. I also rapid cycle you can read a lot more about bipolar from the links below, I find them very useful, if you think you could have some kind of mood disorder it would be best to speak with your doctor about it. take care

I am thinking only some. Like with myself I do. But it depends how aware some are. Some people dont even know they are Bi-polar. If you do know though but dont know the signs keep a journal . write what you feel emotions thoughts and try to describe everything and it may help you looka t controle this and see signs.

Hi. I am Bipolar 1. I NEVER know when I am manic. It usually takes someone close to me to tell me that I am getting manic. In fact, I have been arrested and thrown into the hospital and I still don't know I am manic.

It is not until I see the damage done that I realize I had a manic episode.

Mania? Hypomania? Average moods?

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