In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged in the online world, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where people are using mental health terms inappropriately. One such trend that has caused distress is the labeling of impulsive cleaning as 'manic cleaning.' While many individuals have experienced sudden urges to clean or have dedicated specific periods to deep-clean their homes, such as spring cleaning, some have taken it upon themselves to brand this behavior as 'manic cleaning.'
However, this casual usage of mental health terms has raised concerns among those who have had actual experiences with conditions like bipolar disorder. These individuals argue that the casual use of terms like 'manic' diminishes the severity of these mental health conditions and trivializes the experiences of those who suffer from them.
The trend involves content creators on TikTok recording themselves frantically cleaning cluttered closets or scrubbing dirty dishes, while people in the comments section express their own experiences of 'manic cleaning.' Unfortunately, by associating ordinary cleaning behavior with mania, serious misconceptions arise, and the true implications of mania are ignored.
Mania, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a condition characterized by an abnormally elevated mood, extreme changes in emotions, energy levels, and activity levels. It is important to note that these highly energized states of physical and mental activity must be noticeable changes from a person's usual self and must be observable by others.
Those who have experienced mania, such as 25-year-old Hanno Ortiz, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, feel that using mental health language in a casual and lighthearted manner is insensitive and undermines the significance of these conditions. She rightfully states that the serious symptoms of mental illness have become trendy and have lost their true meaning. By attributing the label of 'mania' to ordinary impulsive behavior, people are speaking over those who genuinely suffer from manic episodes.
It is essential to differentiate between manic cleaning and ordinary bouts of motivation to clean. Manic episodes are characterized by their duration, lasting much longer than a couple of hours. Additionally, these episodes are not driven by boredom but are often followed by severe depression that can persist for weeks or even months.
Experts explain that true manic episodes are more than just getting tired of cleaning. They involve significant disruptions in daily life, such as an inability to work or care for one's children. Manic episodes are often accompanied by other symptoms like euphoria, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, restlessness, and irritability. By overlooking these crucial aspects, the trend of labeling impulsive cleaning as 'manic cleaning' perpetuates misinformation about mania and bipolar disorder.
Psychiatry professor David Miklowitz emphasizes that manic episodes are painful and disruptive experiences. They can result in severe consequences such as arrest or hospitalization. The casual use of the term 'mania' to describe everyday behaviors undermines the true impact of bipolar disorder and fails to capture the complex and often debilitating nature of the condition.
It is crucial to recognize that frequent cleaning sprees may indicate obsessive-compulsive symptoms rather than mania. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can significantly interfere with daily life and cause distress.
When assessing whether cleaning behavior is manic or impulsive, individuals should consider whether these behaviors interfere with their job, relationships, or physical and mental health. They should also reflect on the presence of other manic symptoms like a lack of desire to sleep and high levels of energy that are out of character. If at least three manic or depressive symptoms are present, seeking a mental health evaluation is recommended to receive proper treatment, if necessary.
Psychiatric disorders should not be simplified to just one behavior. It is essential to be mindful of the language we use to describe mental health, avoiding phrases that can be stigmatizing or perpetuate inaccurate stereotypes. Using mental health terms casually can exacerbate shame and perpetuate misunderstandings about these conditions.
In conclusion, the trend of labeling impulsive cleaning as 'manic cleaning' on platforms like TikTok has raised valid concerns about the trivialization of serious mental health conditions. Mania is a complex and debilitating experience that involves much more than a sudden burst of motivation to clean. By taking mental health terms lightly, we risk diminishing the real struggles faced by those living with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. It is important to educate ourselves and engage in respectful discussions to promote understanding and empathy for those with lived experiences.
