S3E27: How Common is Grief Mania?

Learn all about symptoms, causes, risk factors of grief mania, and things that loved ones can do if a manic episode appears.

Grief mania – also known as funeral mania – is defined as the emergence of manic episodes following the death of a close family member. Mania is characterized by a period of elevated mood or euphoria, racing thoughts, pressured speech, increased risk-taking, an inflated sense of self, and decreased need for sleep. These symptoms must persist for at least one week to be considered a manic episode.

Anniversary reactions as precipitants of manic episodes are reported to be relatively common, while manic onset within a week of bereavement (“funeral mania” or “grief mania”) has been considered rare.  A closer look at the phenomenon of grief mania may indicate that it may be more frequent than what has been thought.

In this episode, learn more about what grief mania is, symptoms, causes, risk factors, and things that loved ones can do if a manic episode appears.

Related Podcasts for this Episode:

• S1E01: Why Do People Die?
• S1E11: Grief
• S1E12: Traumatic Grief
• S3E16: Need help with grieving? Consider EMDR.

Manic Grief References:

• Unexpected Death of a Loved One Linked to Psychiatric Disorders | Columbia Public Health
• Manic Episodes: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (verywellhealth.com)
• Sönmez, D., Okumuş, B., & Hocaoglu, C. (2021). The Occurrence of Funeral Mania After
• Bereavement: A Case Report. Medeniyet Medical Journal, 36. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2021.58998.
• Carmassi, C., Shear, K., Socci, C., Corsi, M., Dell’Osso, L., & First, M. (2013). Complicated Grief
• and Manic Comorbidity in the Aftermath of the Loss of a Son. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 19, 419-428. doi:10.1097/01.pra.0000435042.13921.73
• Carmassi, C., Shear, K. M., Corsi, M., Bertelloni, C. A., Dell’Oste, V., & Dell’Osso, L. (2020).
• Mania Following Bereavement: State of the Art and Clinical Evidence. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00366

A Beautiful Time – Willie Nelson

Marianne has been enthralled with Willie Nelson’s latest album “A Beautiful Time”. Willie is back with his 72ND solo studio album. A full-fledged album of new studio material produced with long-time collaborator Buddy Cannon, it will was released on Willie’s 89th birthday and shows off just how prolific he continues to be as the album includes some of his finest songwriting and performances in years!  We thought for our third half this week to let Willie close out the show with the words to his song “I Don’t Go to Funerals”.

I Don't Go To Funerals
Willie Nelson

I don't go to funerals, I won't be at mine
I'll be somewhere lookin' back at loved ones left behind
My life has been a wonder and I found my place in time
But I don't go to funerals, I won't be at mine


I'll be somewhere singin' songs with all those friends of mine
Life is great, but I can't wait to make our memories rhyme
Now those who've gone before me will save my place in line
I don't go to funerals, I won't be at minе


There'll be a big ol' pickin' party whеn it comes my time
Me and Waylon, John and Chris and our sweetheart Patsy Cline
Merle and Grady and Freddy Powers, all those pals of mine
But I don't go to funerals, I won't be at mine

Somewhere, I hear angel voices singin' in the wind
Sayin' how it won't be long 'til time to fly again
Life is sweet and love is good and we have had a good time
But I don't go to funerals, I won't be at mine
No, I don't go to funerals, I sure won't be at mine

Resources:

A Beautiful Time by Willie Nelson
You can purchase here: https://amzn.to/3xDPc1n   #affiliate

Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving Mo Rocca
You can purchase here: https://amzn.to/3LB6lhN  #affiliate

Recipe of the Week

Did you know peanut brittle was created on accident when baking soda was added instead of cream of tartar? The discoverer added peanuts and the rest is candied history. Need a recipe for fall and holiday preps? We have you covered! Just head to Southern Living for this southern-style favorite.

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As a songwriter, ‘Everyone Dies’ is inviting you to showcase your original work on an upcoming podcast.

There are many wonderful songs that could be played at a funeral. We also know there are songs that could be played, but are cringeworthy (e.g. Ding Dong the Witch is Dead; Another One Bites the Dust; Ring of Fire, etc.).

We are inviting you to send us a recording of two of your original songs (i.e. that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not) to be included in the third half of the ‘Everyone Dies’ podcast. We will include as many artists over the next year (maybe longer if we are enjoying the segment) as possible.

What we need:
Go to this link, fill out the form and submit it along with your two original songs in .wav or .mp3 format (i.e. two original songs that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not). We will screen them and let you know what week your work will be included. We will include all your information in our show notes so people can purchase your recordings.

Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!

Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon

Mourning Jewelry

We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry.  When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Here:

Subscribe & Hit That Bell So You Don’t Miss a Podcast!

---

As a songwriter, ‘Everyone Dies’ is inviting you to showcase your original work on an upcoming podcast.

There are many wonderful songs that could be played at a funeral. We also know there are songs that could be played, but are cringeworthy (e.g. Ding Dong the Witch is Dead; Another One Bites the Dust; Ring of Fire, etc.).

We are inviting you to send us a recording of two of your original songs (i.e. that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not) to be included in the third half of the ‘Everyone Dies’ podcast. We will include as many artists over the next year (maybe longer if we are enjoying the segment) as possible.

What we need:
Go to this link, fill out the form and submit it along with your two original songs in .wav or .mp3 format (i.e. two original songs that could be played at a funeral, one that is appropriate, one that is likely not). We will screen them and let you know what week your work will be included. We will include all your information in our show notes so people can purchase your recordings.

Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!

Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon

Mourning Jewelry

We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry.  When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Here:

Subscribe & Hit That Bell So You Don’t Miss a Podcast!