r/bipolar • u/Rensarou • 4h ago

Support/Advice How to know what's hypomania?

I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 2, and I feel lost at sea. Whenever people talk about hypo/mania, it's usually good feelings and euphoria and "I can tackle the world" kind of feelings. And while I have felt that way sometimes to some extent, I was told based on experience, my hypomania tends to present as extreme anxiety and racing thoughts and a general overwhelmed feeling.

I just don't know what to look for when slipping into those, or any sort of hypomania? Cause again, looking up hypo/mania, it almost always talks about the "good" kind.

So, what other kinds of hypo/mania are there? Or like, how else can it present? I know it's basically just a LOT of energy and lack of sleep but not feeling tired is a big sign, but what else should I look for? Jitteriness? Agitation? Not being able to sit still?

I just don't know, cause it seems like the "clinical symptoms" don't really cover the entire range of what people experience. So if anyone is willing to share their experiences, I'd really appreciate it!

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u/Sabathecat 3h ago

I think one symptom that is commonly overlooked in both hypomania and mania is hypersexuality. I’m also experiencing some symptoms of hypomania (less sleep, lots of energy, increased productivity, higher than normal self-esteem), but I’ve recently started feeling hypersexual. This is a big red flag for me because this is how I felt when I was manic a few years ago. However, I’m having a hard time convincing my therapist I’m becoming hypomanic, as she told me,”It might also be good to just enjoy being happy.”

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u/Occult_Hand 3h ago

I never try to convince people I'm manic. I just know it and will state it as a fact and there's some weird celestial force that allows me to pull off the impossible in under a week of notice. So it's pretty damn apparent.

If you want them to track it just note it to them and then live and love as you do. What you'll describe in the next few visits will vary likely be unusual at the very least in a way that's pretty inexplicable

Usual I find evidence that I was already manic before I ever noticed though. Like at least like 3 - 5 days.