The end of a manic episode can bring subtle emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. Here are the signs to look for and what they may mean.
Key takeaways
- Signs that a manic episode is ending include a decrease in irritability and sleep disturbances, a calmer demeanor, improved concentration, and a reduced tendency to engage in unsafe or impulsive behaviors.
- The aftermath of a manic episode can involve physical and mental exhaustion, as well as feelings of anger, frustration, regret, or guilt. Some people may also experience a shift into a depressive episode, sometimes described as a “crash,” which can range from mild to severe.
- During recovery, pay attention to both positive and negative changes in mood. Maintaining healthy routines, leaning on your support system, and working with a mental health professional can help you manage symptoms and determine whether any treatment adjustments are needed.
Mania is a physiological state characterized by an unusually elevated mood, energy, and activity. It often involves feelings of euphoria, impulsivity, or grandiosity.
Many people also experience symptoms of mental and physical agitation, such as restlessness, rapid speech, and a decreased need for sleep.
A clinical episode of mania can last
Mania is associated with increases in energy and elevated mood. Therefore, signs that a manic episode is ending usually include the gradual decline of those symptoms and a return to typical functioning.
You may notice a decrease in irritability, sleep disturbances, and low impulse control.
Other signs that mania is ending may include:
- decreased or slowed speech output (compared to speech output during mania)
- a calmer or more even-keeled demeanor
- increased concentration
- higher need to pause and rest
- improved quality of sleep (sleeping more hours and uninterrupted)
- reduced tendency to engage in potentially unsafe behaviors
- diminished sense of general urgency
You may also notice some depressive symptoms:
- lower emotional intensity or a noticeable decrease in energy levels
- increased negative thoughts or self-criticism, particularly about actions taken during the manic episode
- a need for significantly more sleep than usual
- a stronger desire to spend time alone or withdraw from social activities
The end of a manic episode may feel bland and monotonous at first, explained Jacob Wilen, a licensed associate marriage and family therapist in Malibu, California.
You may feel physically and mentally exhausted, and feelings such as anger, frustration, regret, and guilt may surface.
If you’re receiving medical treatment for bipolar disorder, medications like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics may help reduce manic symptoms more quickly. They could also help reduce compulsive behaviors and restore emotional regulation, said Wilen.
Some of these medications, however, may lead to intense fatigue and brain fog as your body adjusts to them.
“Working closely with a psychiatrist and therapist during this time is essential,” Wilen advised. “The fog will clear eventually, and you can recover with the help of a treatment team.”
A manic episode can be disruptive, but you can help yourself get back on track by staying proactive.
Be gentle with yourself
Wilen recommends taking it easy on yourself.
“Your body and brain just went through a lot. Don’t take on new projects, make major decisions, and put any travel plans on hold. Reduce stress wherever possible and keep it simple,” he advised.
Keep up with healthy lifestyle habits
Fostering healthy lifestyle habits can help you maintain them when you’re experiencing a manic episode.
Developing a consistent sleep schedule, for example, can encourage your body to naturally want to sleep and wake up at the same time. It may not always override mania, but it can position you for success.
Adhering to your treatment plan is also key.
Rely on your support network
Having a support system available after a manic episode can be a source of comfort and guidance. Support systems can include trusted friends, family members, healthcare professionals, and organized groups of people sharing similar experiences.
Wilen indicated that attending an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a common recommendation for treating bipolar disorder.
“IOPs offer group therapy 4 to 5 days per week, where you can process your experiences with others with similar diagnoses,” he said. “Some IOPs offer yoga, nutrition counseling, and sobriety groups if addiction is a co-occurring problem.”
Consulting with a mental health professional
Medications and targeted interventions can help you manage symptoms and episodes of mania.
If you’ve just experienced a manic episode, speaking with a mental health professional can ensure you’re on the correct dosage of medication and that no adjustments to your treatment plan are needed.
Learning more about mania can help you and those around you recognize the end of manic episodes and know what to do in the aftermath.
Can a manic episode be prevented?
Episodes of mania may not be completely preventable due to complex interactions between genetics and brain chemistry, but reducing the frequency and intensity of episodes is possible if you consistently follow your treatment plan.
How can I prep my life when I think a manic episode is coming?
Working with a mental health professional can help. Tracking your symptoms and stressors can also help you gain insight into any changes that may suggest an oncoming mood episode.
It’s also important to keep your emergency contacts and medication information at hand.
How do you calm a manic episode naturally?
Stress management, avoiding alcohol and other substances, and a support system that understands mania can also help.
Signs that a manic episode is subsiding may include sleeping more and better, speaking and moving slower, needing more time for rest and relaxation, being able to focus more, and becoming more aware of (and avoiding) possible unsafe behaviors.
As mania resolves, some people gradually return to their usual mood and energy levels, while others may experience a depressive episode, sometimes described as a “crash.”
This can involve increased fatigue, sadness, negative thoughts, guilt, remorse, or a desire to withdraw from others. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, staying connected to supportive people, monitoring changes in mood, and working with a mental health professional can help support recovery and identify when additional treatment may be needed.