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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

  • I gather it's reasonably common in autistic people who have or overlap with ADHD(?)

    I think exercise can help. Doing so much exercise you literally tire yourself out. Sometimes I've gone out in the middle of the night and danced in the road. I appreciate that this will not always be a go-to option.

    Sometimes I'll play upbeat music over and over again until eventually I tire my brain out into a kind of 'enoughness'. Sometimes, it can cause me to overcharge or break down and cry though. So, I'm not sure I'd necessarily recommend this option. Being over-charged can make me say or do exaggerated things, which can weird people out sometimes. 

    I would find it tough to do my writing and editing work when I was going through periods like that. I could never type anywhere near as quick as my thoughts, plus my thoughts were going through non-work thoughts too. I worked freelance and remotely so I got to take breaks for walks, which was handy. I found a 15-20 min walk was kind of useful although I still usually had pretty hyper-driven thoughts/energy after the walk, just maybe a touch less ?

    It's weird how finely balanced we are. Too much energy (in our bodies or minds) is just as debilitating as not enough energy when it comes to working and otherwise being useful/practical.

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  • I gather it's reasonably common in autistic people who have or overlap with ADHD(?)

    I think exercise can help. Doing so much exercise you literally tire yourself out. Sometimes I've gone out in the middle of the night and danced in the road. I appreciate that this will not always be a go-to option.

    Sometimes I'll play upbeat music over and over again until eventually I tire my brain out into a kind of 'enoughness'. Sometimes, it can cause me to overcharge or break down and cry though. So, I'm not sure I'd necessarily recommend this option. Being over-charged can make me say or do exaggerated things, which can weird people out sometimes. 

    I would find it tough to do my writing and editing work when I was going through periods like that. I could never type anywhere near as quick as my thoughts, plus my thoughts were going through non-work thoughts too. I worked freelance and remotely so I got to take breaks for walks, which was handy. I found a 15-20 min walk was kind of useful although I still usually had pretty hyper-driven thoughts/energy after the walk, just maybe a touch less ?

    It's weird how finely balanced we are. Too much energy (in our bodies or minds) is just as debilitating as not enough energy when it comes to working and otherwise being useful/practical.

Children
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