I have Bipolar II, which means that instead of full-on mania, I have hypomania. The main difference between mania and hypomania is the duration of the episode. When I’m hypomanic, I get hyperactive, very happy, and very talkative. I know when I’m hypomanic because I get an overwhelming desire to do cartwheels, even though I’ve never been able to do one before.
Even with medication, if I don’t get enough sleep, I can enter a hypomanic state. Although I don’t necessarily mind being hypomanic because I’m more outgoing and productive, there are some downsides. It’s harder for me to make friends because people find me annoying, and I struggle to work with others because my brain works much faster than theirs. I tend to start multiple projects and struggle to finish them, which affects my mood when the hypomania ends. Essentially, the more hypomanic I get, the more depressed I become when the episode ends. It’s difficult for me to maintain a stable mood, and even after six years of medication, I’m still working on getting my life under control.
To combat hypomania, I’ve established a routine that works for me. I have a set sleep schedule that I don’t deviate from, and I need at least nine hours of sleep a night to avoid hypomania. I try to follow a general routine, although I can’t stick to a strict schedule because I tend to become obsessive and break down if something doesn’t go according to plan. Lastly, I drink an energy drink a day as caffeine helps me focus and stay calm. This routine helps me maintain a stable mood and avoid hypomanic episodes.
My Bipolar and Me 