Hypomania is a distinct, elevated mood state characterized by an abnormally high level of energy and activity that is noticeably different from a person’s usual disposition. This state is a recognized feature of certain mood disorders, most commonly bipolar II disorder, which involves alternating episodes of depression and hypomania. The experience is often described as feeling “revved up” or “sped up,” representing a clear shift in emotional baseline that is apparent to others. This article explores the subjective nature of this elevated state, detailing what it feels like internally and how it manifests in outward behavior.
The Internal Subjective State
The cognitive and emotional landscape during hypomania can feel intensely accelerated, often starting with a euphoric sense of well-being that is disproportionate to any external events. This mood elevation may also present as extreme irritability, especially when the person feels their thoughts or actions are being interrupted or slowed down by others. The brain’s reward system, which involves dopamine signaling, becomes more active, which is thought to contribute to the feelings of happiness and high energy.
An internal sense of grandiosity or inflated self-esteem commonly accompanies this state, where individuals may feel untouchable. Thoughts often move at a rapid pace, a phenomenon known as “racing thoughts” or “flight of ideas,” making it feel as though the mind is running a high-speed internal dialogue. This mental acceleration can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of heightened creativity or intellectual sharpness, where ideas flow freely and connections appear clear and profound.
A consistent feature of the hypomanic state is a significantly decreased need for sleep. Individuals may feel completely rested and energized after only a few hours of sleep, sometimes as little as three hours, without experiencing the typical fatigue that follows sleep deprivation. This reduced requirement for rest contributes to the feeling of having boundless time and energy. This state can sometimes become dysphoric, where high energy is coupled with agitation or a sense of being overwhelmed by the relentless stream of thoughts.
Observable Behavioral Changes
The internal acceleration of thought and energy inevitably translates into observable changes in behavior and activity. One of the most noticeable outward signs is an increase in talkativeness, often escalating to “pressured speech,” where the person speaks rapidly, loudly, and with an urgency that makes them difficult to interrupt. The rapid-fire thoughts manifest as jumping quickly from one topic to another, making conversations disjointed and difficult for others to follow.
The surge of energy fuels an increase in goal-directed activity, leading the individual to start numerous projects at once. This can manifest as working for hours without interruption, organizing social events, or engaging in various movements like fidgeting or pacing, which is known as psychomotor agitation. This hyperactivity level is a clear departure from the person’s typical behavior and is usually readily apparent to friends and family.
Hypomania also brings a propensity for impulsive actions and poor judgment, as the brain’s ability to inhibit impulses is often altered during this period. This may involve excessive involvement in activities with a high potential for negative consequences, such as reckless spending, gambling, or engaging in risky sexual behaviors. While the episode itself does not typically cause the severe impairment seen in full mania, these behavioral changes can still lead to significant social or financial strain.
Differentiating Hypomania from Normal Mood
The differentiation between a normal, productive good mood and a hypomanic episode lies primarily in the qualitative nature, duration, and severity of the change from the person’s established baseline. A normal period of excitement or high productivity is usually a response to a positive trigger, such as a promotion, and maintains a sense of control and appropriate emotional regulation.
Hypomania, in contrast, represents an abnormal and persistent mood change that lasts for at least four consecutive days and is present for most of the day, nearly every day. The shift in mood and energy is distinctly out of character for the individual and is significant enough to be observed by those who know them well. Furthermore, while a normal high mood retains critical insight, hypomania often involves an overconfidence or grandiosity that leads to a temporary lack of judgment.
The symptoms of hypomania are sustained and pervasive, distinguishing them from the transient excitement of a good day. The reduced need for sleep, coupled with the relentless racing of thoughts, indicates a biological shift that is not present in typical well-being. Even when the mood is euphoric, the intensity and duration of the symptoms signal a distinct mood episode rather than simple happiness or high energy.
The Experience When the Episode Ends
The resolution of a hypomanic episode is often described as a sudden and heavy “crash.” This transition is marked by profound physical and mental exhaustion, as the body and mind attempt to recover from days of operating on minimal sleep and maximum energy output. The initial sign that the episode is winding down is often the return of the need for sleep, with individuals finally feeling tired and sleeping for longer periods.
The psychological fallout can involve intense feelings of shame, regret, or embarrassment over impulsive actions taken during the elevated state. Individuals may be overwhelmed by the commitments they made or the financial consequences of their actions, leading to a profound sense of burnout. The crash frequently involves a swift shift in mood and energy, often leading directly into a depressive state that is severe due to the sharp contrast from the preceding high.