If someone you care about is experiencing a manic episode, stay calm, offer practical help, and create a low-stimulation environment. Your support can make a real difference.

What are mania and hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are a significant set of symptoms of living with bipolar disorder.  They are periods of unusually high energy, mood, or activity.

Mania is more intense and can include risky behaviour, racing thoughts, and a reduced need for sleep.

Hypomania is similar but less severe, but both can affect judgement and relationships. Recognising the signs early helps you respond with understanding and care.

Ways to support someone experiencing a manic episode

Stay calm & non-confrontational

Reacting with frustration, arguing, or trying to “snap them out of it” could escalate things.

Staying calm reduces overstimulation and can help prevent agitation.

Avoid jokes, sarcasm, or comments minimising their experience.  

Don’t take things personally

Irritability, fast speech, and bluntness are symptoms of mania and hypomania - not intentional ways to cause hurt.

What someone says during a manic spectrum episode may not be how they actually feel towards you.

Minimise stimulation

Encourage a quieter, low sensory environment:

• Dimmer lighting
• Calm spaces
• Fewer people
• Reducing noise

This lowers intensity and can help to reduce impulsive behaviour.

Offer practical support

Try asking:

• “Can I get you water?”
• “Would you like somewhere quieter?”
• “Do you want me to stay with you?”

Providing practical support helps ground the person and know that you’re there to help.

Keep choices simple because offering too many options can overwhelm.

Seek support if you need it

It’s important to remember that friends and family can only do so much to support someone.

If there is any risk of harm, severe mania may require emergency intervention.

Find out more about getting urgent help here.

Encourage rest and routines

Reduced sleep is a major factor and can worsen mania.

Encouraging rest, food, hydration, and quiet activities can help to stabilise mood. 

Routines help maintain wellbeing before and during episodes.

If someone lives with bipolar, they are likely to experience some kind of mania more than once in their lives. 

Agreeing a safety plan with them, outlining some pre-agreed ways you can help, could be beneficial when trying to support someone.

More support

• If you need urgent help, visit our crisis page
• Learn more about bipolar disorder on our advice page
• Look for support in your area