How do you decide that you are manic?

Tonight, in my group, a fellow was talking about doing some woodwork. He described himself as manic because he started getting really into it and was doing the work faster and faster.

I’m not so sure. That sounds like getting into a flow of work to me. But it’s tricky, and bipolar folk are always wondering, am I manic, or is this normal? Am I depressed, or is this normal? When should I start to worry about what is happening.

Another person had a full blown manic episode and ended up in the hospital while she was still fully compliant with her meds. That’s pretty scary. It happened to another guy as well.

So how do you know? And if you suspect, when do you decide to do something about it? And if you decide to do something, what do you do?