David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Four Physical Signs of an Impending Manic Breakdown
by Brooke Hilton, bpHope
February 14, 2018
Skin issues and tinnitus are among physical signs of a possible manic breakdown on the way–recognizing them can help you be prepared.
When you live your life in a perpetual hypomanic haze, like I did for years, it’s hard to know whether you’re simply feeling a natural high or if you’re on the verge of a breakdown.
Over the years, I’ve noticed there are some physical symptoms that start to pop up to warn me that my body might be headed for a crash landing. While I don’t have time for my full list, here are a few things to look out for if you’re worried that you may be on the verge of a manic episode.
Looking back, I had been so involved in my search for the perfect specialist that I completely missed the simplest diagnosis—I was totally stressed out. It’s mind-boggling to me that a relatively innocuous problem could cause such catastrophe in a person’s life. So, I beg you to study your body appropriately and to take a well-rounded approach to your wellness and find a doctor who can read the warning signs.
What have you found to be your physical triggers?
by Brooke Hilton, bpHope
February 14, 2018
Skin issues and tinnitus are among physical signs of a possible manic breakdown on the way–recognizing them can help you be prepared.
When you live your life in a perpetual hypomanic haze, like I did for years, it’s hard to know whether you’re simply feeling a natural high or if you’re on the verge of a breakdown.
Over the years, I’ve noticed there are some physical symptoms that start to pop up to warn me that my body might be headed for a crash landing. While I don’t have time for my full list, here are a few things to look out for if you’re worried that you may be on the verge of a manic episode.
- Skin Issues: Just prior to my last breakdown, I experienced a horrifying bout of psoriasis and cystic acne. I saw a dermatologist who wrote me several prescriptions, but no matter how many shampoos or steroids I tried, it would not go away.
- Problems with Sleep and Focus: Though I was constantly fatigued and had difficulty concentrating during the day at work, my imagination would run rampant at night and I would get lost in creative project after creative project.
- Tinnitus: Around this time, I also began to hear ringing in my ears. I even visited an endocrinologist to see if my problem was autoimmune related or hormonal, it didn’t occur to me that it could be mental…
- Appearance Obsession: Lastly, I began to become super into my appearance and wanted to sparkle from each and every viewpoint. But growing up with the nickname, “Suzie Sparkles,” I paid it no mind. I was on the up and up and nothing could stop me! That is, until I cracked — hospitalization, restraints, inpatient, outpatient, the whole nine yards.
Looking back, I had been so involved in my search for the perfect specialist that I completely missed the simplest diagnosis—I was totally stressed out. It’s mind-boggling to me that a relatively innocuous problem could cause such catastrophe in a person’s life. So, I beg you to study your body appropriately and to take a well-rounded approach to your wellness and find a doctor who can read the warning signs.
What have you found to be your physical triggers?
