Escaping into Euphoria

Watercolor on a 13cm x 10cm piece of wood pulp paper

Manic episodes are a symptom of bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar suffering from a manic episode can have a warped perception of time, and can experience a euphoric feeling—sometimes feeling unstoppable and thus become overactive. Individuals also become more impulsive during a manic episode. They may be more susceptible to drug abuse, and be more inclined to risky sexual behavior, as well as engaging in other self-harming tendencies. This piece illustrates some of these common symptoms as well as the frenzied reality that may come with mania.