I woke up on the sharp edge of exhilaration. I knew, from decades of personal experience with bipolar disorder, what this might mean: mania could be on the horizon. Then again, I might just be in a really good mood. Bipolar people get those, too—we’re not always symptomatic.

But vigilance over my mood is essential, even when it turns out to be unnecessary. I’ve had too many full-blown manic episodes, where my ambition soared while my judgment leapt out the window. Too happy today has too often led to terrible trouble tomorrow. It may be difficult for others without this condition to understand, but precaution—even, or maybe especially, against pleasure—is a bipolar responsibility.

With this in mind, I decided to enjoy the good feeling while it lasted, with an eye out for classic manic symptoms, such as racing thoughts, pressured speech, decreased need for sleep, lack of appetite, grandiosity, overspending,........

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