Coping with mania?

[Nine]

I'm just wondering if anyone who has been manic has ideas for what to do to distract oneself.

I have seen a doctor, and I have an appointment again tomorrow. I've been taking all my meds, although I could take ativan as a prn.

Basically I've been (hypo)manic for a long time now and it's hard to figure out what to do with myself. My attention span is near zero because of racing thoughts. I had my right hand in a splint but now that I know its soft tissue damage and not a fracture I am willing to take it off in order to prevent myself from running around being destructive.

If anyone has any ideas, or remembers from experience please, please, please comment because mine and my parents' lives are really difficult at the moment.

[roiben]

I would recommend trying something like painting or drawing. I know that some of the people I know who experience mania use these as distractions and things to do to keep busy. I draw shade and sketch myself but some prefer paints.

In terms of dispersing some of your energy, going for a jog or dancing to music is an idea that may help - Or, if you can afford it, a gym membership or rowing machine.

Sorry for not having better ideas - It is not something I experience much myself...

Do keep your parents informed. It sounds like they want to help?

Roiben x

[Nine]

Haha yes, my parents' lives are difficult because they are chasing me around all the time. They do try to help my taking me places and stuff.

I did paint once, and it almost felt like my thoughts cleared as I thought about all the paint colors. And I pick up my guitar and play for a minute every couple hours.

Exercise is great too. I've just been walking (supervised) because it's hard to stop in the middle like I do with exercise.

I will give painting another shot tonight. My concentration is just awful though.

[roiben]

How did your appointment go?

Roiben x

[Nine]

We increased medications even more and added another. I think that has finally brought the mania down to hypomania, but I'm still very agitated and my moods swing to angry mixed states almost without warning.

I think the problem was that I was so depressed I wasn't in the habit of doing anything. I want to paint, but I have nothing set up anymore, none of the right tools, don't remember the right mindset. Same with guitar. If I hadn't quit on everything when I was depressed I think this episode would have been a lot easier. So I'm trying to do things one step at a time. At the moment I am getting frustrated easily, and a few bad sketches suddenly made me want to kill myself, so I'll try when I'm in a better mood tomorrow.