re: Possible Manic Episode?
I'd like to post a followup from the other day's post. After I posted this I slept for twelve hours, which is actually a very good sign! If I was in a manic episode, which are often characterized by lack of sleep, this would almost be impossible. This highly suggests that I am not about to have a manic episode, which I am very happy about.
On the other hand, this much sleep could be a sign of a depressive episode, among other things (including maybe nothing, I have always had a tendency to sleep a LOT when I have the opportunity, which I did this time). I hope it's nothing to worry about, but I do have regular ways I handle depressive episodes that I am practiced with, so I find them to be less dangerous than manic episodes for me.
I think it's important to be transparent about my mental health because a lot of people don't know what it's like to have bipolar disorder, and maybe this will help people get some insight into what it's like to have to worry every day if your brain is going to start trying to rebel against you. I'll be fine (I'm always fine) but it's a struggle and I do have trouble with it sometimes. I just need to remember that there is help for me if I ask for it, and to ask for it when I need it.