Also tagging along on hypomania’s coattails are an inability to focus. I’m struggling with a project at work that requires my complete attention. Right, like that’s going to happen. The headphones are on listening to Radio Paradise, and I feel the need to rate or comment on most of the songs that come on. Taking the headphones off exposes me to the environment around me, including co-workers conversations. Hmmm – the lesser distraction? Then of course you have this post which is being written at work…

Finally, my wife just celebrated a birthday and spent some birthday money on clothes. She very rarely spends money on herself, and I actually enjoy it when she does. And of course, she got some FINE fitting jeans and slacks. If the kids weren’t awake… But of course they are awake, and stay awake until it’s too late. At least this distraction is a little more enjoyable.

While this hypomania is somewhat milder than historical levels, it’s still distracting. It doesn’t, thankfully, include the desire to engage in dangerous behaviors, so it is an improvement. But this is a reminder that the analysis of our moods needs to be fluid, and can change from one day to the next. It reinforces the truth that there is no “normal” when it comes to bipolar disorder.

Do you have a hypomania story to share? Leave a comment, or let’s discuss it in the message boards.