A MISSION FOR MICHAEL
Calming the storms of mania with compassion and wisdom.
You’ve got so much energy and so many ideas.
You don’t even need sleep.
Your thoughts are racing faster than you can keep up with, but you know there’s nothing you can’t accomplish when you’re this on top of the world.
Sound familiar?
If it does, you probably know what comes next:
The crash.
Your relationships feel the strain, and your grand plans start to crumble under the weight of reality.
You’re scared to check your bank account (or your text messages), because you don’t know how much damage you did this time around.
This cycle isn’t just exhausting; it’s destructive. After a while, it can start to feel like you’re living on a rollercoaster without a stop button.
This experience, called “mania”, is more than just overflowing with energy. It can be a sign of bipolar disorder, but it can also be caused by stress or certain medications.
At AMFM, we know you’re more than any diagnosis, so we take a wide-angle view of what you’re experiencing. But because mania has such well-defined reasons behind it, there are treatments for it that do more than just dampen the symptoms; they also address the underlying causes.
Remember, experiencing mania doesn’t define you. It’s a signal, not a life sentence. We’re here to listen, understand, and find solutions. Together, we can calm the storm and find a path forward that doesn’t have the ups and downs you’ve grown tired of.
With mania, you’ve got unusually exuberant, enthusiastic, or irritable moods, along with unusually and consistently high energy levels. These episodes can last for a week or more and often need significant intervention.
Here are some symptoms that someone experiencing mania might recognize in themselves:
You feel a constant surge of energy, often with little to no need for rest. This is more than just feeling energetic – it’s an overwhelming force that seems to drive you beyond your normal limits.
You might find yourself sleeping significantly less than usual but still feeling incredibly energetic and not tired at all. This reduction in sleep doesn’t bring the fatigue it would for most people.
An increase in talkativeness, often with a pressure to keep talking, is common. You might find yourself dominating conversations, speaking rapidly, and feeling irritated when interrupted.
Your mind races with thoughts at a mile a second. It can be hard to keep up with your own ideas, making you feel scattered or unfocused.
Your ability to focus or stay on task is offline. Even small distractions can pull your attention away from what you’re doing.
You’re more likely to do things with a high potential for painful consequences, such as reckless shopping sprees, sexual misconduct, or foolish business investments. Somehow, you’re not able to take into account the risks or consequences of these actions.
In mania, you can feel everything from euphoria to invincibility to irritability and agitation- all within a short amount of time. Relationships can be strained, work can suffer, and you can make bad decisions that you’ll later regret.
If you’re experiencing true mania, there’s a biological, environmental, or psychological cause. Understanding those causes can help us tailor a treatment plan that addresses the root of the issue, not just how to mitigate symptoms.
Here are a few things that have been known to cause mania:
Environmental Triggers: Stressful events, big life changes, lack of sleep, or drug and alcohol use can trigger manic episodes.
Bipolar Disorder: Mania is a key feature of Bipolar I Disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings from highs (mania) to lows (depression).
Cyclothymic Disorder: This is a lighter version of bipolar disorder, with milder high (hypomanic) and low (depressive) mood swings.
Schizoaffective Disorder: This condition includes symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations, along with mood disorder symptoms such as mania or depression.
Medical Conditions: Certain physical health issues, like thyroid problems, can cause symptoms that look a lot like mania.
Substance-Induced Mood Disorder: Sometimes, certain drugs, alcohol, or medications can lead to manic episodes, especially in people who are already prone to mood disorders.
Effective treatment of mania requires a dive deep to understand what’s contributing to your experience of mania. At AMFM, we look beyond the surface to find what’s really going on, helping us create a treatment approach that fits. By addressing the underlying causes, we can provide relief that’s both effective and lasting, helping you regain control and stability in your life.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mania. At AMFM, we craft tailored treatment plans that take into account the unique factors contributing to your experience. Here are some possible interventions:
| Medication Management: | Medications, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, might play a crucial role in managing mania. If your team decides medication is called for, we’ll work closely with you to find the right medication and dosage, minimizing side effects while maximizing results. |
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| Psychotherapy: | Talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be incredibly effective. They help you understand the patterns of your thoughts and behaviors, teaching you strategies to help you identify risks and prevent relapse. |
| Lifestyle Adjustments: | Sometimes, small changes make a big difference. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a stable sleep schedule can help prevent mania and improve overall well-being. |
| Stress Management: | Learning how to manage stress through techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes. |
| Support Groups: | Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can provide comfort and insight. Support groups offer a space to share experiences and coping strategies. |
| Education: | Understanding your condition empowers you to take control. We provide resources and information to help you and your loved ones better understand mania and how to manage it. |
| Monitoring and Prevention: | Regular check-ins allow us to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. We also focus on identifying early warning signs of mania, aiming to prevent full-blown episodes before they start. |
Our team at AMFM believes in a multifaceted approach, combining these interventions to suit your individual needs. By tackling mania from multiple angles, we aim to not only manage symptoms but also to build a foundation for lasting mental health and stability.
Here at AMFM, we don’t just treat mania symptoms, we help you reclaim your life with a sense of purpose and control. Here’s how our comprehensive, personalized approach makes a difference:
We’re confident in our treatment approach for a simple reason: we’ve seen it work before. By finding the root causes of your experiences and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan, you can regain control of your life.
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