A hypomania is a period of at least four consecutive days that resembles a mania, but is less severe and does not require admission. In a hypomania you can have the same characteristics as in a mania, but by definition these are never so intense that you get into trouble with them
For example, you can think of a period of increased energy, productivity and creativity, entering into more social contacts, being easily distracted, needing less sleep and experiencing greatly increased self-confidence. During a hypomanic phase, you do not need to be admitted to a psychiatric ward, which is usually the case with mania. Most people with bipolar disorder have depressive episodes in addition to mania or hypomania.
Hypomania symptoms
A hypomania is less extreme than a mania, but the characteristics are quite similar. In a period of hypomania you suffer from at least three of the following hypomania characteristics:
- You have a bloated self-esteem
- You have less need for sleep. You often feel completely rested after a few hours in bed
- You are more talkative than usual
- You are easily distracted
- You undertake more activities
- You feel restless
- You engage in pleasant activities that can lead to painful situations, such as spending too much money at once
If you have a period of hypomania interspersed with major depressive episodes, it is important to get treatment. Bipolar disorder does not go away by itself. For more information about treating hypomania symptoms, please visit the bipolar disorder treatment page.
What can you do yourself?
If you are in hypomania, the following tips can help you:
- Go to bed at a set time
- Get up at a set time
- Avoid exciting situations
- Take a rest and cancel appointments
- Don’t spend too much money all at once
Ask your doctor for help if you have problems OR contact a Samaritan