In my office, patients often ask, “How do I know if what I’m experiencing is mania or hypomania?” or “Does it even matter?” These are great questions, and the answers can help you better understand your diagnosis and how to manage it. Mania and hypomania are hallmarks of bipolar disorder, but while they share some similarities, they’re very different in intensity and impact. Let me break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Do Mania and Hypomania Have in Common?
Both mania and hypomania involve periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and a sense of heightened activity. Patients in therapy often describe these episodes as feeling “on top of the world” or having “endless energy.”
During these episodes, you might:
Feel unusually optimistic or confident. Speak quickly or jump from one idea to another. Sleep less without feeling tired. Take on multiple tasks or projects all at once. Engage in risky behavior, like impulsive spending or unsafe driving. While these symptoms are similar, the key difference lies in severity.
Mania: The Intense Storm
Mania is like a hurricane—it’s powerful, overwhelming, and can leave a lot of damage in its wake. During mania, mood changes are severe enough to disrupt your life completely. You may act impulsively, lose touch with reality (psychosis), or require hospitalisation to stay safe.
Patients often tell me that mania feels like being “invincible” or “unstoppable,” but this can lead to risky behaviours that cause harm. Work, relationships, and finances often take a hit. For people with Bipolar I Disorder, mania is a defining feature.
Hypomania: The Gentle Breeze
Hypomania, on the other hand, is like a light breeze—it’s noticeable but far less disruptive. People with Bipolar II Disorder experience hypomania rather than full-blown mania.
During hypomania, you might feel more productive, creative, or sociable. Patients in therapy often say things like, “I wish I could feel like this all the time—it’s like I’m my best self.” Because hypomania typically doesn’t cause significant loss of functioning, I often call it the “CEO disease,” or describe it as feeling like the “life of the party” or the “employee of the month.” However, this perception can be misleading—while hypomania might feel like a boost, it can still lead to poor decisions or set the stage for a depressive episode.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the difference between mania and hypomania is crucial because it impacts diagnosis and treatment. Bipolar I Disorder involves manic episodes, while Bipolar II Disorder involves hypomania. The distinction helps guide your treatment plan, including whether mood stabilisers or antipsychotics are needed.
In therapy, I emphasise that even hypomania, while less severe, shouldn’t be ignored. It can still lead to consequences like impulsive decisions or a “crash” into depression.
Your Next Steps
If you’re wondering whether what you’re experiencing is mania or hypomania, tracking your symptoms is key. Use mood tracking apps or a journal to note changes in energy, sleep, and behaviour. Bring this information to therapy or your prescriber to tailor your treatment.
Remember, understanding your mood patterns is a powerful step toward managing bipolar disorder. If you want more tips or tools, visit my e-learning course page here or join the My Bipolar Therapy community here for personalized resources.
