Has anyone done anything stupid while manic?

[Martha]

I went through a manic period all this week - no sleeping or eating for 4 days, racing thoughts, the usual... then I went & did something stupid. I decided to go shopping and for some reason I stole some makeup. Well, on my way out the door I got caught by security and was arrested and taken to jail. I have never been in trouble before - this is just not me. My therapist says it is a hallmark symptom of mania. My mania has never been this out of control before & it really scared me. In fact, I am still scared for future mania episodes and how to control them so I won't do anything stupid again. I am still getting use to my illness and learning how to control it, but it surprises me every time I get manic.

[Elena]

Hi Martha,

Really sorry about your Mom. Mine died 7 years ago. It's so hard to lose our Moms.

For the really most embarrassing thing I've ever done while Manic, with a capital M, is hitchhike down a major artery in State College, PA naked. I was 20.

Fortunately a very nice elderly couple picked me up and took me to the local hospital from which I was hospitalized at a State Hospital completely psychotic. That would be the first of 7 hospitalizations over the years.

[kat]

Oh, do I have some stories... Sounds like you need a med adjustment pronto. If I do stuff that interferes with daily living, or is too far off the middle of the road, that's what I do: run, don't walk, to my doc and tell all.