Early signs of mania coming on

[mooddisorderedmind]

I am starting to recognize when I am elevating into hypomania then mania. I start getting headaches, my mind races. I have no control over my emotions. i feel the brain working hard with its clicking and whatever it is that it does. I feel compelled to go and do anything and everything. I keep thinking of new ideas to do with my son, which is good and productive. I am just feeling weird right now and just needed to vent.

[Paz]

 I totally understand what you mean! I can feel my brain working hard [like when a latop clicks and hums] when my thoughts start to really rev up in my mind. The energy is amazing. It is a weird feeling.

 Thinking of new projects to do with your son is good & productive, what else could you do to harness your energy in a positive way?

[mooddisorderedmind]

Walking, Yoga, and Pilates are good stress reducers for me. Walking really helps with my anxiety. I am also journaling and writing poetry.

[Paz]

 I agree about the Walking & Yoga! It does help with anxiety. I always feel better after a long walk or a short [climbing] hike.

 I have never tried Pilates...is it fun? And do you have to go to classes? Sometimes I'm not that great around other people.

 I think that when you get your blood flowing by walking and exercise, you help your mind to flow more freely...and then it relaxes.If you can get your mind to relax, you may be able to recover more quickly if you do head into mania. Does that make sense? I find that I can help for my mania to not be as severe when I am actively exercising, though I have to admit that sometimes no matter what I do I can't stop it from happening and occasionally I might go ballistic. 

 Life is hard. Life with Bipolar is harder. *SIGH*

[Dreamline]

Yeah exercise really helps with both depression and mania...but it is best a preventative...its a natural mood stabilizer.  I need 10x more during mania, at the least it keeps me from doing other things.   I have a hard time realizing I'm hypomanic sometimes, when it goes into mania then I'm aware...its just too obvious.  But if I have trouble sleeping or wake up early, its a warning flag for hypomania.  It always easier to prevent mania before it hits you.  I try to remember that...really I guess its more my lack of concern when I'm hypo than anything else.  I tend to deny it.  Mania can't be denied.

[mooddisorderedmind]

I have never tried Pilates...is it fun? And do you have to go to classes?

I think it is, but you have to be into working hard and willing to realize you won't be as good as the instructor the first time you do it. I use videos 10 minute solutions by Lara Hudson. I like her style and she is easy to follow