Misunderstood Mania

Manic behavior is misunderstood and portrayed  on T.V. and in books at the most extreme end of the spectrum. Most of the Bipolar population don't suffer from psychosis which is extremely debilitating and requires consistent  support and extreme intervention. My behaviors require monitoring and intervention to a lesser degree but still produce anxiety, panic and at times paranoia. It usually happens during a stressful situation such as a loud, confusing environment, during a presentation in my role as a teacher, or performing a Tae Kwon Do form in front of a group. Teaching requires too much multitasking and causes a combination of depression, and manic behavior. I don't, however, avoid all situations that may cause stress. This would essentially be avoiding life. Tae Kwon Do helps me to perform at my own pace with direct support from instructors while practicing stress relieving strategies. This is not an easy path to take to practice strategies but it is very important to me.  It also helps build my self esteem, which has been beaten down by this disease. For most people this is the most difficult part of the disorder to understand.


I also wanted to say that walking on eggshells is not necessary or possible because I don't throw eggs on the floor :)
Please ask me if you have questions. I am not at all embarrassed to answer them.