Bipolar mania and music, do you experience/perceive a change in the music?

Question

When I'm manic or starting to get manic I often notice that the music I love sounds different, meaning bigger, better, more powerful. I listen to classical and opera, lots of Beethoven and it is as if I sitting front row center at the NY Philharmonic instead of listening to my ipod on the NYC subway. Even something as simple as a short cello vibrato seems awe inspiring. Does anyone else with bipolar experience this? In the end, this phenomenon is helpful, as it warns me something is wrong.

Answer 1

I think its just a love for music, Music is such an awesome art. I feel the same way only i listen too all sorts of electronic music. I get all jumpy as well!

peace!  

Answer 2

YES!

It is so cool to hear that another bipolar responds to music in a similar fashion when going manic.

Music becomes much more intense. In fact, it can become like a drug. The music can become hypnotizing.

And yes, I use it as a warning sign also. In fact, I've had to turn off all music and stay away from the TV at times to keep them from acting as a catalyst. (That might be the wrong term.)

In some ways (when going manic) I become much more aware of the nuances of the music.

There have been times when I was positive that I was listening to a remake of a song on the radio by the original band because a portion of the song would sound so different and AWESOME. Later, back in "normie" zone, the same song would come on the radio and the "AWESOME" portion was still there but had faded back into the ordinariness of the rest of the song.

Sigh... Being bipolar is just lovely.

But at least we know how to detect early signs of mania for ourselves.

Answer 3

I am  exactly the same way funny thing is as I was reading this I was thinking the same this as I am listening to music as we speak.

Where's in NYC are you?

I'm in NYC too, feel free to add me if you have a page:

http://www.myspace.com/beatuspandora

Answer 4

I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder when I was younger, (although I don't have the manic episodes like I used to), and I can relate with what you're saying. One reason I started playing musical instruments was the sensation a talent musician could project through the music put me on cloud nine when I was manic.  

Answer 5

DEFINITELY!!!! The type of music, rhythm, volume, etc, can totally affect your mood or behavior. Especially if you are BP. I suffer from this so I try to be careful NOT to listen to soft music or sappy love songs when I'm down or it can lead to depression just as quick paced, quick rhythms music can cause me to be manic. Even on medications, us who suffer BP can still be triggered. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I'm so glad you asked this question because I have often wondered if other people with bipolar disorder experience this.  I get the same feeling with music...it is "bigger, better, more powerful."  It even gives me chills.  It's like I can feel it through my whole body.  That is one of the signs that tells me when my mood is shifting to mania.