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Manic Feelings - How to deal with them?

Catherine R

Hi All,

I'm currently experiencing a manic episode as I type this, I get them something like once or twice a month and would like some help/advice - are manic episodes normal for Autism? It's not like what I recognise as an anxiety attack or meltdown. It's where I feel;

  • hyperactive - can't sit still.
  • increased sensitivity - my partner's keyboard sounds are so loud right now compared to usual. Not irritating - just LOUD.
  • I am unable to complete any thoughts - my thoughts become noisy, unorganised, disjointed and/or unclear.
  • Can't decide on what do to next or organise my day like I usually do.
  • Feel uncomfortable, mildly distressed but heart rate is normal and I don't feel panicked or afraid like with anxiety attacks.

And these symptoms can last ALL DAY. Is this just another type of meltdown I'm not yet familiar with?

I'd appreciate suggestions on how to deal with it and stop the uncomfortable feeling. This is what I have attempted with little to no success;

These have worked to deter meltdowns or calm anxiety attacks but they haven't helped with these manic episodes.

Parents

  • Yes Relaxed and I'm still sussing out a way of dealing with them. I have a 12 point plan which I'm going to try out if (when?) it happens again. Some if them are actual things I need to do, others are just reminders of things which I know are true but I'll have forgotten in the midst of the turmoil.

    I linked mine as a response to a situation that left me feeling vulnerable and exposed. I could only cope when I found a "story" (made some meaning from the situation) instead of a relentless search for information (so I could fully understand the situation and make the "right" decision) - which is my default position on just about anything.

    My sense is when they happen I'm going to have to acknowledge the thoughts/feelings and find some space to ride them out. Russ Harris (author of the happiness trap) talks about a "struggle switch" - meaning we can worsen an experience by trying to avoid what the body is experiencing or the mind is generating. It's still pretty uncomfortable to sit with this stuff and I had to give myself a lot space afterwards to recover - but I think it was better than trying to "stop" the experience (which is a little bit like being told not to think about elephants...... )

Reply

  • Yes Relaxed and I'm still sussing out a way of dealing with them. I have a 12 point plan which I'm going to try out if (when?) it happens again. Some if them are actual things I need to do, others are just reminders of things which I know are true but I'll have forgotten in the midst of the turmoil.

    I linked mine as a response to a situation that left me feeling vulnerable and exposed. I could only cope when I found a "story" (made some meaning from the situation) instead of a relentless search for information (so I could fully understand the situation and make the "right" decision) - which is my default position on just about anything.

    My sense is when they happen I'm going to have to acknowledge the thoughts/feelings and find some space to ride them out. Russ Harris (author of the happiness trap) talks about a "struggle switch" - meaning we can worsen an experience by trying to avoid what the body is experiencing or the mind is generating. It's still pretty uncomfortable to sit with this stuff and I had to give myself a lot space afterwards to recover - but I think it was better than trying to "stop" the experience (which is a little bit like being told not to think about elephants...... )

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