Hypomania - Is It the Best Time for You to Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Hypomania - Is It the Best Time for You to Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Hypomania can be considered a dangerous mental state for someone suffering from bipolar disorder. One reason for this is that the person concerned often sees this as a good place. Another reason for this is that it is quite often the start of the bipolar cycle. Left alone, it often leads to more dangerous episodes of mania or depression. Another point of view is that hypomania can be an excellent place in the bipolar cycle to seek treatment.

Can hypomania actually be your friend? Speaking entirely from personal experience, I know this is definitely the case for me. Is this generally true for all or most people who suffer from bipolar disorder? There is an argument that the answer is yes. I would like to explore this question.

Perhaps the first point to consider is your exact bipolar diagnosis, the normal pattern you go through, and the time you spent in a normal state between episodes. In bipolar type 1, a very common pattern is an episode of hypomania followed by mania. In bipolar type 2, a very common pattern for the cycle to begin is with an episode of hypomania followed by depression. In cyclothymic disorder, the common cycle ranges from a hypomanic episode to mild depression.

Given the number of sufferers whose cycle begins with hypomania, the question arises: “Is this the best time to treat bipolar disorder?” takes on a certain meaning. If the answer to the question is yes, hypomania presents a great opportunity to keep your bipolar disorder in order. In this case, all people whose cycle begins with a hypomanic episode would find that their bipolar cycle could be controlled at the exact point at which it begins.

Many sufferers believe that a hypomanic episode is “fun.” They refuse to believe they are hypomanic or refuse to seek treatment for it. They may be denying themselves the best opportunity to manage their bipolar. In my opinion, a hypomanic episode provides an excellent opportunity to ensure that even worse problems do not arise. This is especially true if help is sought at the earliest possible point.

I am not a health expert. However, I have considerable personal experience with bipolar disorder. I also did considerable research. Still, I won't presume to answer the question I asked. To me, logic says it should be. However, rather than answering the question in the affirmative, I suggest you seriously consider it yourself. Why not, next time you think you are entering a hypomanic episode, present yourself to your doctor and seek treatment for yourself. This way you can find out the answer yourself.

If the answer is yes for you, you have learned a lot about how to manage your bipolar disorder. This, in turn, will go a long way in helping you regain control of your life.

Inspired by Ray J Tyler