My symptoms are dynamic and occur in clusters of changing intensity. Sometimes mania dominates, sometimes depression, and I have no way of knowing which it will be or for how long. In my manic periods, I feel as though I am flying, gliding effortlessly through the day with an ever-increasing sense of wonderment and delight. My body feels charged with energy. I talk rapidly and forcefully without finishing my sentences, and I constantly interrupt others.
Colors appear brighter.
Time seems to go by twice as fast as usual. I lose my appetite and can't sleep more than two hours a night. The situation is especially unbearable when I am recuperating from fever and physical illness while unable to sit still or stop talking. Soon I lose control of my moods and sensations. My skin becomes highly sensitive to touch, and my clothing is a constant source of irritation.