The following extract from Understanding Manic Depression has been included here with kind permission of Mind Publications. The extract includes the introduction to each section of the booklet, and the titles of the subsequent sub-sections.

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Table of Contents

When I'm in a manic phase I feel as though I am capable of anything and everything. This can be an amazing feeling although I sometimes get frustrated and angry with people. ideas flow constantly and quickly as if my brain is on fast forward. Everything happening in the world has significance on my life. When I'm depressed it's as if I'm completely crushed, living in slow motion. I feel capable of nothing and just want to end it all.'

What is manic depression?

Manic depression is characterised by extremes of mood: periods of deep depression, and periods of overactive, excited behaviour known as mania. These severe highs and lows may occur directly after each other, or they may alternate with varying periods of stability. Some people diagnosed with manic depression also experience visual or auditory hallucinations or delusions.

While most people experience highs and lows in daily life, in manic depression these changes are extreme. During the manic or high phase people may feel euphoric, self-important and full of expansive ideas. This could include being extravagant, spending vast amounts of money and building up debts. During these periods they may be unable to sleep and take little time to eat. They may talk so quickly that it is difficult for others to understand what they are saying, and they can be irritable and angry. They may have no awareness of their changed attitude or behaviour. After a manic phase some people are shocked at what they have done and the effect that it has had. However, some of those diagnosed with manic depression find that they are very creative during mania, and argue that it is a very valuable experience.

Although mania may flare up, depression is often the primary consistent symptom. People may experience overwhelming despair, guilt and feelings of unworthiness. They might experience difficulty trying to concentrate or remember things, and feel unable to do the simplest task. They may want to kill themselves.

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What causes manic depression?

There are several theories as to the cause of manic depression. These theories are not necessarily compatible.

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What treatments are available?

Services vary enormously from area to area; they are run by the NHS, social services departments and voluntary organisations. It is important to find out as much as you can about local services. Try asking your GP, the social services department, community health council, Citizens Advice Bureau and voluntary organisations such as local Mind. The first step is usually to contact your GP who may refer you to a psychiatrist. if a treatment does not suit you, say so and ask for other options.

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What can I do to help myself?

During a manic phase you may have been unaware that your actions were distressing or even harmful to others. If you later find out how they felt you may feel guilty and ashamed. It can be especially difficult if those around you seem afraid or hostile. It can help to provide people with information about manic depression so as to increase their understanding.

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ISBN 0267 3509 First published by Mind in 1996. Revised edition Mind 1998.
No reproduction without permission.

This booklet was updated by Louise Flory
Mind (National Association for Mental Health)

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