Manic Episode 4: Idea #122

In my last manic episode (E4), I wrote down this thought:

“…make a list of my top compulsions, and 1) record which senses they are related to, 2) identify potential risky behaviors that are associated with them 3) and draft another list of what alternative non-destructive behaviors/products could be used to ‘scratch the same itch… So like right now, doing something like smoking a cigarette would probably feel good, and provide stimulation to my mouth and tongue in a soothing way. This is obviously a long-term risky behavior. Instead of something like that, I find that having a drink of something with some sensational element is good enough, like large quantities of very hot coffee (decaf) or ice cold and/or carbonated water… …now, it helps that I don’t smoke in the first place. But I totally understand that if I was already a smoker, being in a manic state would lend itself to behaviors such as chain smoking… it’s a relief that I am satisfied with Folgers and Spindrift.”

This idea is definitely a keeper.

As I wrote above, I am not a smoker, but I will ask the ‘Bipolar support group’ on Facebook about their experiences. My expectation is that they smoke way more when manic. I would also not be surprised if I get some responses about smoking weed too, I think I understand why that might provide some mental relief to a manic mind. We’ll see what they say.

Knowing that I crave sensory stimulation when I am manic gives me an easy task to do, as I prepare for my next manic episode: Keep a shopping list of certain products that are easy to get when I recognize that I am entering mania. That way, as soon as my next episode starts, I can just go to the store or send a friend and have those options available to me as quickly as possible.

Before my next post, I’ll make that list and share what’s on it.

See you next week!