What to Know About Coming Out of a Manic Episode

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsWhat Happens When a Manic Episode EndsCoping

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Signs

What Happens When a Manic Episode Ends

Coping

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Amanic episodeoccurs when a person who has bipolar disorder feels extremely active and energetic, often beyond their control, saysAimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of “Understanding Bipolar Disorder.”

These are some of thecharacteristics of a manic episode:

According to a 2021 study, manic episodes last approximately 3.5 months on average.For people who are not receivingtreatment, a manic episode can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, the episode may end in under three months.

“Sometimes, if it’s caught early, a change in medication can stop a manic episode. If that doesn’t work, you just have to ride it out,” says Dr. Daramus.

9 Things Not to Say to Someone Who Has Bipolar Disorder

Signs a Manic Episode Is Ending

These are some signs that a manic episode is ending, according to Dr. Daramus:

Aimee Daramus, PsyDThe end of a manic episode can be painful if you have to face the consequences of things you did during mania. It can be rough if your actions during mania have hurt your relationships or finances, or if you did something impulsive or illegal.

Aimee Daramus, PsyD

The end of a manic episode can be painful if you have to face the consequences of things you did during mania. It can be rough if your actions during mania have hurt your relationships or finances, or if you did something impulsive or illegal.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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Coping With the End of a Manic Episode

These are some strategies that can be helpful as you’re coming out of a manic episode:

Press Play for Advice On Living With Bipolar DisorderThis episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring actor Maurice Benard, shares tips for living with and managing bipolar disorder symptoms. Click below to listen now.

Press Play for Advice On Living With Bipolar Disorder

This episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring actor Maurice Benard, shares tips for living with and managing bipolar disorder symptoms. Click below to listen now.

As a manic episode ends, you’ll start to feel less frenzied, be able to think more clearly, and get more sleep. You may have to face unpleasant consequences of your actions during the episode.

Therapy, medication, and social support are important factors that can help you cope with the end of a manic episode. They can help you resume normal functioning and potentially prevent further manic or depressive episodes.

Living With Bipolar Disorder

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.ATAGÜN Mİ, ORAL T.Acute and long term treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30. doi:10.29399/npa.27411Tondo L, Vázquez GH, Baldessarini RJ.Depression and mania in bipolar disorder.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):353-358. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666160606210811Cleveland Clinic.Bipolar disorder.Additional ReadingCleveland Clinic.Mania.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Nemours Foundation.Bipolar disorder.University of Michigan. Bipolar disorder:Preventing manic episodes.Michigan Medicine.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.ATAGÜN Mİ, ORAL T.Acute and long term treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30. doi:10.29399/npa.27411Tondo L, Vázquez GH, Baldessarini RJ.Depression and mania in bipolar disorder.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):353-358. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666160606210811Cleveland Clinic.Bipolar disorder.Additional ReadingCleveland Clinic.Mania.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Nemours Foundation.Bipolar disorder.University of Michigan. Bipolar disorder:Preventing manic episodes.Michigan Medicine.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

ATAGÜN Mİ, ORAL T.Acute and long term treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30. doi:10.29399/npa.27411Tondo L, Vázquez GH, Baldessarini RJ.Depression and mania in bipolar disorder.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):353-358. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666160606210811Cleveland Clinic.Bipolar disorder.

ATAGÜN Mİ, ORAL T.Acute and long term treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30. doi:10.29399/npa.27411

Tondo L, Vázquez GH, Baldessarini RJ.Depression and mania in bipolar disorder.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):353-358. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666160606210811

Cleveland Clinic.Bipolar disorder.

Cleveland Clinic.Mania.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Nemours Foundation.Bipolar disorder.University of Michigan. Bipolar disorder:Preventing manic episodes.Michigan Medicine.

Cleveland Clinic.Mania.

National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.

Nemours Foundation.Bipolar disorder.

University of Michigan. Bipolar disorder:Preventing manic episodes.Michigan Medicine.

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