Unipolar Mania

by Nicholas
(St Louis, MO, USA)

I have been diagnosed with Bipolar I and have had a total of 3 periods of mania where I have been locked up in a hospital each time.

Oddly enough I haven't really experienced the downside of the Bipolar. Doctors say that Unipolar Mania does not exist, but I do not agree with this.

I was just wondering if there is anyone else out there that feels the same. I am 31 years old and have never dealt with depression.

However, each time I have had mania, I do feel like I am awakening spiritually and it is quite scary. I begin to think grandiose thoughts.

I believe this is a result of synchronicities. I see them more and more often during mania. This is what causes it to spiral.

If there were no synchronicities pointing out all the obvious connections and truths, then I wouldn't be led down that path.

The signs of mania do exist to a T during these experiences, but I can't help thinking there was more to them, even after coming down for a year or more.

If anyone has any questions or anything to add, please do. I am very curious about this.


Ben's Answer:

You raise some very important questions. A doctor who tells you that unipolar mania does not exist is the kind of doctor that worships the DSM as if it were written by God himself. Just because it's not in the book, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I have known people who have had significant, if not severe manic episodes without having any history of depression. I have however, seen such people sometimes go through a long period of recovery following a big manic episode, and that period for some, may involve some anxiety, poor concentration, some residual delusions or paranoia, or cognitive issues/brain fog...but without really experiencing symptoms of a true depression. Others, though they are definitely in the minority, may have virtually no depressive episodes or any other negative symptoms. (But it's important to know that just because you haven't had depression in the past, doesn't mean that you can't have a a future episode of depression following a manic episode, or at any other time for that matter).

Seeing synchronicities (signs and symbols and "coincidences" that defy logical explanation), is something that many people experience during hypomania or mania.

My view of mania is that it is a high energy state of consciousness, and in that state, there is greater access to the unconscious mind. Mythological themes, religious themes and archetypal symbols can begin to show up everywhere. However, this is not exactly the same as enlightenment or samadhi. One of the main differences is that mania is still a state of mind, and the ego is still very much an active influence. Grandiosity is ego-based and dependent upon thoughts.

So do synchroncities cause mania, or does mania cause us to experience synchronicity? I think both are true actually, just as you have experienced. I've known many people who would say the same. In hypomania, connections begin to show up... every time you look at the clock it's 11:11 or something of personal meaning... your favorite song comes on the radio whenever you think about a certain thing... you feel more psychic. You know when the phone is going to ring. While some of these deeply intuitive or psychic experiences may be quite valid, others may be completely ego-created. Just as you may hear a sound outside while lying in bed having a dream, and the sound is instantly incorporated into the story in your dream, you may experience things in your environment and instantly see deep personal meaning in those things. The meaning may be completely self-created.

In mania, thoughts are usually very active, racing, often expansive and even brilliant, but not really in control. The inner world blurs with the outer world. And you begin to project your mind onto everything you see around you. So while you might feel ultra connected, wise, omnipotent and all-knowing in that state, others may see you as bizarre, abrasive, self-important, or insane. It's not a grounded, calm, balanced state of unity or non-dual consciousness.

But nonetheless, in the state of mania, often there are amazing insights, inspirations, creative ideas, and brilliant visions. That level of consciousness has played a vital role in our human history of art, music, literature and innovation.

My advice: take whatever inspirations or insights you can gain from having had those experiences. Find a creative outlet to express and share that. Work on staying grounded and be careful not to over-activate the thinking mind (left brain) with too much intellectual or analytical intensity. When you begin to see connections and synchronicities, recognize it, try to take a detached attitude and avoid becoming mesmerized by it. Realize that it is not the highest truth but only a sort of dream state. Don't get too attached to it.

Thanks again for your questions.

Take Care,
Ben Schwarcz