What is being in a manic state? Why can’t they see it?
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Hi, therapist here. I think two factors play into this.
The first is that, like other symptoms, mania can come in a range of severity… Everything from feeling excited and “in the zone” all the way up to staying up for a week and rebuilding your car in the middle of the night. Indeed, even the underlying disorder (Bipolar Disorder) comes in two types, one of which is characterized, in part, by more severe mania (and consequences) than the other.
The other factor is that, unlike many other psychiatric symptoms, mania *feels good*. If you’re depressed, or anxious, or hearing menacing voices you’re very likely to seek treatment, or at least relief. Oh, the “problem” is that you’re at the top of your game, the life of the party, and up for a promotion at work (ie, a mild hypomanic episode)? Would you like to take this pill to make it go away? *No*???
The fact is that people seek treatment for illnesses that cause distress, or impair their functioning in important areas. Mania tends to be pretty severe before it stops feeling good.
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