Her Mania is Making Me Crazy

Dear Ramona:  Mania stems from a variety of sources.  Some psychological some physiological.  Step one is to make sure your loved one’s physician is aware of this behavior and ask for an action plan.  It’s a good idea to avoid arguing or debating the behavior with your loved one.  Trying to reason with manic behavior will only frustrate and compound both of you.  With proper treatment from physicians, the manic behavior can be addressed.  When that behavior is directed at you, try to detach from it and realize that an illness is attacking you, not the person. Having escape plans for your heart (and sometimes for you physically) can be incredibly helpful to keep you from becoming embroiled in the manic behavior.