When Feeling Great Isn’t Always Good

I used to love the early stages of hypomania—the creativity, the confidence, the endless energy. It felt like I had finally stepped into the best version of myself. Hypomania can be intoxicating, even euphoric, but it never lasts. It always slips into something darker, sometimes ending in hospitalization.

For those of us living with bipolar disorder, hypomania feels like a gift but is often a warning sign. While others may feel energized because of real-life events—a new job, a big achievement—hypomania can appear without reason. That unpredictability makes it difficult to recognize until it’s already reshaping your world.

This blog explores what hypomania really is, how to recognize its signs, and why understanding it is essential for mental health stability and self-compassion.

A Closer Look: What Is Hypomania?

Hypomania is a milder form of mania. It involves an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least four days, often with increased activity or energy. Unlike full mania, hypomania doesn’t cause severe impairment, psychosis, or always require hospitalization.

Common Symptoms

• Elevated mood or irritability
  

• Reduced need for sleep
  

• Racing thoughts and pressured speech
  

• Increased energy and goal-driven activity
  

• Impulsivity and poor judgment
  

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiose thinking
  

Hypomania in Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

• Bipolar I: Hypomania may precede more severe manic episodes, often with psychosis and significant impairment.
  

• Bipolar II: Hypomania involves similar symptoms but without psychosis or hospitalization. It can still disrupt judgment, relationships, and wellness.
  

Though less severe than mania, hypomania often blurs the line between “productive energy” and dangerous instability.

The Allure and the Risks of Hypomanic States

Hypomania often begins with heightened creativity, motivation, and excitement. You may wake with energy after little sleep, throw yourself into projects, or feel “superhuman.” But the shadow side quickly follows: risky choices, impulsive spending, reckless relationships, or pushing your body and mind beyond safe limits.

The crash afterward can be devastating—filled with shame, guilt, and exhaustion. I’ve learned through lived experience that these behaviours aren’t personal flaws but symptoms of a complex illness. Self-compassion is essential. I am not my illness, and neither are you.

Learning to Recognize Hypomania in Real Time

Recognizing hypomania early is difficult—especially when it feels good. But awareness is key to prevention.

Strategies That Helped Me:

• Identify Triggers: Lack of sleep is a major one for me, especially during travel. Good sleep hygiene helps protect against mood shifts.
  

• Listen to Feedback: Trusted friends or mentors can often spot changes—like pressured speech or irritability—before I do. Taking their observations seriously is an act of self-care.
  

• Self-Monitoring Tools: Journaling and mood-tracking apps create a record of shifts over time. Radical honesty with yourself is essential here.
  

When I feel the euphoric pull of hypomania, I ask myself: Where will this lead? What happens after the high?
For me, the answer has often been manic psychosis, hospitalization, and months of recovery. That truth keeps me grounded.

Managing Hypomania Without Shame

Managing hypomania means staying consistent with whatever system supports your mental health:

• Medication adherence (if part of your plan)
  

• Crisis prevention planning for when episodes escalate
  

• Self-compassion over self-criticism, reframing hypomania as a signal rather than a failure
  

The goal isn’t to suppress joy, but to recognize when joy turns into dysregulation and to respond with care.

Final Thoughts: Knowing Your High Is Knowing Your Illness

Hypomania is both a gift and a warning. It signals that my brain is edging toward instability and that it’s time to return to the tools that help me heal—sleep, medication, therapy, and self-awareness.

I’ve had episodes last days, weeks, even months. I never know when they’ll arrive, but I always know when they’re here. Over time, I’ve learned that chasing the high isn’t worth sacrificing my long-term wellness.

My goal is not to avoid joy or excitement but to distinguish between authentic happiness and emotional instability. That wisdom only comes with self-awareness, compassion, and practice.

To my readers: Have you ever mistaken a mental health symptom for personal growth? What helps you tell the difference between rising and unraveling?

Lost in the Fun, Then Lost in Myself

In December 2024, I traveled to Guyana, South America—my birthplace—for the first time in 20 years. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t. After a 17-hour layover in Port of Spain with no sleep, I arrived overwhelmed by the beauty and energy of home. I threw myself into the excitement, skipped medications, and survived on little rest. By the second week, I was edging into mania—sleep-deprived, irritable, and far from my baseline.

After an emotional outburst toward my cousin, I realized I had lost myself in paradise. Travel can disrupt even the strongest mental health routines, but I discovered it’s possible to find balance again—using small rituals and daily habits as a compass.

Why Travel Disrupts Bipolar Stability—and Why That’s Okay

Travel with bipolar disorder often destabilizes mental health because of:

• Circadian rhythm disruption: Jet lag and time zone shifts can trigger manic or depressive symptoms.
  
  

• Travel stress: Delays, long layovers, and overstimulation add strain, especially when sleep is lost.
  
  

• Diet and hydration: Unfamiliar foods, alcohol, or unsafe water can cause fatigue, disorientation, or mood instability.
  

During my Guyana trip, the unexpected layover shattered my sleep schedule. Overstimulation made rest impossible, and what felt like “energy” was really the onset of mania.

It’s important to normalize these ebbs and flows. Experiencing symptoms abroad doesn’t always mean you’re spiralling—it may simply be your body adjusting. Instead of panicking, lean on the structure, routines, and healthy habits you rely on at home. Rest when possible, release energy in healthy ways, and give yourself grace.

Rebuilding Routine in Small, Sustainable Ways

When travel pulls you off course, reestablishing even small routines can anchor your mental health.

• Medication: Take doses consistently, at the same time each day, even across time zones.
  
  

• Meals: Eat balanced foods on a schedule that mirrors home life.
  
  

• Emotional check-ins: Journal or track moods nightly to regulate emotions.
  

If your trip is fast-paced, set reminders or alarms for structure. Create micro-rituals like unpacking in each hotel, repeating bedtime routines, or listening to calming music while getting ready. These small anchors help stabilize emotions and reduce chaos.

The Power of Predictable Habits in Unfamiliar Places

Predictability creates safety in new environments. For bipolar wellness during travel, lean on familiar habits:

• Morning rituals: Just 10 minutes of journaling, meditation, or prayer can centre your day.
  
  

• Built-in breaks: Schedule downtime between major outings to restore balance.
  
  

• Sensory grounding: Drink the same tea, stretch, or use aromatherapy oils to recreate comfort.
  

These practices remind your mind and body that stability travels with you.

Final Thoughts: My Baseline Isn’t Just a Place—It’s a Practice

I once believed stability was tied to a fixed location. Now I know my baseline is portable—it lives in my choices, my breath, my rituals. Travel doesn’t mean abandoning structure, routine, or healthy habits; it means bringing them with me.

Yes, there will be times I lose balance through no fault of my own. But guilt only deepens the spiral. Compassion, rest, and gentle course-correction are what help me return to baseline.

I no longer push through symptoms to prove myself as a “good traveler.” I pause, check in, and trust myself. Travel is a radical act of self-trust—sometimes smooth, sometimes difficult, but always worth it.

Because no matter where I am in the world, I deserve stability, healing, and adventure.

To my readers: What small habit brings you home to yourself—no matter where you are?

Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Its Triggers

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. The different types of Bipolar disorder—Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic disorder—present varying symptoms and challenges. Common triggers in Bipolar disorder include stress, substance use, changes in sleep patterns, and significant life events. Identifying these triggers is essential for effective management; understanding what influences our moods helps us create strategies for navigating the highs and lows.

Unique Triggers for Women with Bipolar Disorder

Hormonal Fluctuations and Menstrual Cycles

For women, hormonal changes can significantly impact mood stability. The menstrual cycle often introduces shifts in hormones, which can lead to increased emotional sensitivity and susceptibility to mood episodes. I’ve experienced firsthand how fluctuations in my cycle have affected my mental health, making it essential to work closely with my healthcare team to find balance.

Stress and Anxiety Related to Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the emotional landscape of women with Bipolar disorder. As someone who has navigated the complexities of codependent relationships within my family, I can attest to the heightened stress and anxiety that can stem from these interactions. My mother, who took on the role of caregiver when I was diagnosed, faced her own challenges, leading to burnout. This, in turn, left me searching for support outside my family, which ultimately became a pivotal point in my journey.

Societal Pressures and Expectations Affecting Mental Health

Societal expectations around success, motherhood, and caregiving can weigh heavily on women. When my niece was born, the desire to be the perfect aunt created pressure that I wasn't equipped to handle. I struggled with anxiety and substance use as I attempted to meet unrealistic standards. This experience is not unique to me; many women find themselves caught in a cycle of striving for perfection, only to spiral into stress and subsequent mood episodes.

Personal Stories: Women Share Their Experiences

Anecdotes from women living with Bipolar disorder reveal the diverse range of triggers they face. For instance, one woman shared how the unexpected death of her grandmother sent her into a manic episode, compounded by travel and the stress of family dynamics. Another highlighted how relationship changes, such as the end of a romantic partnership, led to significant depressive episodes, demonstrating the emotional weight of these life transitions.

The common themes in these stories reflect the importance of community and support networks. Sharing experiences fosters connection and understanding, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Strategies for Identifying and Managing Triggers

Keeping a mood diary can be invaluable for tracking patterns and identifying triggers. Personally, I have found that noting my mood changes alongside significant life events or stressors helps create a clearer picture of what influences my mental health. If daily recording feels overwhelming, even jotting down short notes or lists can be beneficial.

In addition to journaling, incorporating techniques for stress management and self-care into daily routines is essential. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, have been crucial in helping me navigate my emotional landscape. Seeking professional help and exploring therapy options tailored to individual needs can provide further support.

The Role of Support Systems in Managing Triggers

Support systems play a vital role in managing triggers. Understanding from family and friends is crucial; they can help identify potential triggers and provide reassurance during challenging times. Engaging with support groups or online communities can also be a lifeline, offering a space to share experiences and gain insights from others who understand.

Resources for finding professional help and guidance are abundant, and I encourage anyone seeking support to reach out. Whether through therapy, community organizations, or online platforms, there are avenues available to help navigate the complexities of living with Bipolar disorder.

Final Thoughts

Identifying and understanding Bipolar triggers is a crucial step for women living with Bipolar disorder. By acknowledging the unique challenges we face, we can create supportive environments that foster resilience and well-being. Whether you’re living with Bipolar disorder or supporting someone who is, remember that awareness and open conversations can make a significant difference. Let’s continue to share insights, support one another, and advocate for mental health awareness. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Bipolar disorder.