Having more energy than usual and an extremely positive attitude usually isn’t something to worry about. However, when a person is having a hypomanic episode, these feelings get in the way of things like sleep and controlling their behavior. You may be able to get through your day at work or school, but you might be more talkative than usual or do things you typically wouldn’t do. There are effective treatments for hypomanic episodes, and you may need to seek comprehensive mental health treatment to keep your symptoms to a minimum.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what hypomania is, what the symptoms can feel like and what treatments can help.

What is hypomania? 

Hypomania is a less intense form of mania, which can involve feelings of high energy, euphoria, racing thoughts and impulsivity, among other symptoms. These symptoms don’t cause marked impairment. However, they may be noticeable by others and affect a person’s ability to function. Hypomanic episodes typically last at least four days. Hypomania is often a main feature of bipolar 2 disorder and related conditions like cyclothymic disorder. In people with these conditions, it can be triggered by other psychiatric, neurological and medical conditions. Periods of stress, significant life changes or a lack of sleep can also trigger hypomania in people who are prone to it.

What are the symptoms of hypomania? 

Most often, hypomania involves feelings of excessive energy, invincibility or euphoria. It may seem like you’re in an overwhelmingly positive mood. However, there are some important differences to notice. Hypomania may cause you to fixate on multiple activities at once, have racing thoughts or be easily distracted. It can also affect your sleeping patterns or cause you to behave recklessly. 

If you’re feeling like you might be having a hypomanic episode, you might talk with a friend or family member you trust. Let them know what you’ve been experiencing and ask them for feedback. If you are experiencing hypomania, you should make an appointment with a psychiatrist.

These are the most common symptoms of hypomania:

• High energy or being unable to sit still
• Feeling happy, excited or euphoric
• Feeling invincible or having higher self-esteem than usual
• Talking more than usual or talking fast
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility and engaging in multiple activities simultaneously 
• Not sleeping or feeling like you don’t need sleep
• Impulsive behavior like making big purchases or having sex without thinking about the consequences

What treatments are most effective for people with hypomania?

Medication is typically the most effective treatment for hypomania. It helps prevent escalation to mania or a depressive episode. Rest and psychotherapy are also supportive. Group therapy and family therapy can help you build a strong support system.

The following treatments may help people with hypomania:

• Medication — Mood stabilizers and sometimes antipsychotic medications can help reduce symptoms of hypomania.
• Psychotherapy — Talking with a therapist can help you manage the emotional ups and downs of a hypomanic episode. Your therapist can also help you find effective strategies for coping with your symptoms and building supportive relationships.
• Family therapy — During family therapy sessions, your loved ones can learn about your condition and helpful ways to support you. 
• Group therapy — It may help to connect with other people who experience hypomania through peer support groups or group therapy.

If you’re showing signs of a hypomanic episode, you should talk with your doctor or a psychiatrist to find out what’s causing your symptoms. When hypomania goes untreated, it can cause a lot of stress and have a negative impact on your health. A lack of sleep will deplete your body, and eventually, you’ll crash and need days or weeks to recover. You may also make decisions or do things you’ll regret later on. 

When hypomania is related to a mental health condition like bipolar disorder or cyclothymic disorder, individuals should seek personalized mental health care. At Lightfully, we use our Precision Care Model (PCM) to ensure that each of our clients gets exactly the care they need. Instead of planning treatments according to a diagnosis, we take a holistic view of your personality, your life and your mental health goals. We can help you build up core processes and skills that support your social and emotional well-being. With strong relationships, self-knowledge and emotional regulation skills, you’ll be better prepared to manage hypomanic episodes in the future.

Understanding the condition that’s causing your hypomania and having a plan to manage your symptoms will help you gain a sense of control. Our compassionate team of licensed clinicians is here to help you. 

Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team with any questions. Let’s talk about the treatments and the support you need to thrive.