Things to avoid when manic...

There are certain things you should NEVER do when manic . Although they might seem all important at the time, they will come back to bite you in the butt.

NEVER- Go on facebook during a manic episode. You will post indiscriminatly and seal your reputation as a seriously disturbed individual. You will reveal things that are stictly confidential. After the episode passes, you will try to repair the damage done by your unedited posts and suffer extreme regret. It doesn't matter that you want to take it all back, it's "already out there".

DO NOT- Hang out on the internet. When manic, every subject seems important. You will traverse sites that are unrelated to your true interests and spend all night online. What seems like vital information in a bipolar episode is usually trvial knowledge. Don't succcumb to the use of the internet as company. Sleep is crucial to maintaining your sanity. Turn off the computer and go to bed.

AVOID- Spending money. Put someone in charge of your finances when stable to insure ptotection when manic. Spending sprees are a hallmark of bipolar episodes. When I was manic I bought every book that I thought was interesting. The problem was, everything was interesting and it was crucial that I read it all. You are truly a consumer when episodic. You will spend all your money on trivial things. I was into watches and pens! Put your money in the hands of a trusted advisor until the storm passes.

DON'T- Make phone calls. Especially late at night. Just don't do it! The urge when ill is to talk, talk , talk to everyone about all things. You will seriously regret the subjects you bring up and the details you reveal. Often these phone calls result in a loss of privacy because you have "shared" too much with people whom  on a normal day you wouldn't say hi to. Resist the urge to expose yourself to people who are not interested in your health. They maybe a willing ear, but eventually you will see that they are irrelavent to your life. When the episode is over, apologies may be offered but not accepted. Perhaps a member of your support team can help you monitor your phone calls. Call them first and ask if it is appropriate to call someone.

Of course the list could go on and on. The sad truth is when manic you are probobly going to do these things and more. They will be unstopable behaviors. You will be on over-drive and will not be able to control many of your actions. That is why you should have a support team assembled before mania strikes. Members can help you get the help you need (perhaps a med change from your doctor). An advanced directive may protect you from the ravages of the illness. It is important to minimalize the damage. Trust some people in your life to act on your behalf . Regret is a terrible state of being. Better to be proactive and limit the ill affects of a bipolar manic episode.