As a psychotherapist, one of the most engaging groups of people I have gotten to meet are people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The pain of the illness can be immense, with serious, sometimes life-threatening depressions and equally dangerous manias. Yet, it is also linked with creativity (Santosa et al., 2007) both during mood episodes and times of wellness.

The exuberance and intense fight for recovery I have seen in individuals with bipolar disorder is fierce.

Yet, there is an insidious challenge. Bipolar disorder is unique in its ability to corrupt the positive. In bipolar disorder, manic or hypomanic "highs" mimic in ways many of the joys of flow and happiness. There is a signature feeling of euphoria, enhanced productivity, and ability to create, which accompanies the destructive irritability, sleeplessness, and impulsivity of mania.

Fear and memories of manic highs can leave one in a state of distrust in the territories of happiness. Is a glowing, spirited day something to celebrate or a sign of mania? This can encourage vigilance, which presents a barrier to enjoying life.

While there is no "surefire" way of distinguishing between an oncoming mania and a good mood, what follows are three questions that might help one in the process.

If you are a person who enjoys spontaneity and find yourself in a park flying a kite, you might wonder, "Is this normal?" The answer is likely "yes." While flying a kite suggests curiosity and happiness, it doesn't hurt anyone or necessarily indicate mania. However, if you are leaving work to go fly a kite without returning, or if you are spending a significant amount of money such that you won't be able to meet your responsibilities later in the week, those are more clues of mania.

Sleeplessness is common, even in people without mood disorders. Still, sleep issues are a powerful trigger for mood episodes as well as an indicator of mania. If you are getting less than your usual amount of sleep and not missing, mania could be the reason.

Elation blossoms at certain times and events, such as on your wedding day. Still, if you are met with a "high" mood that has a superficial quality to it and is not linked up with any joyful events in your life, it may be something to monitor.

In Closing

Difficulty trusting one's happiness is a difficulty for many living with bipolar disorder. Understanding one's unique triggers and warning signs can help one to rebuild trust in their experiences and their ability to distinguish between happiness and mania.

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References

Santosa, C. M., Strong, C. M., Nowakowska, C., Wang, P. W., Rennicke, C. M., & Ketter, T. A. (2007). Enhanced creativity in bipolar disorder patients: A controlled study. Journal of affective disorders, 100(1-3), 31-39.