Grandiosity

An inflated sense of importance, ability, or power, common in mania or hypomania.

Grandiosity is an inflated sense of your own importance, ability or power — a conviction that you are exceptional, chosen, or uniquely able to fix something. It is one of the recognised symptoms of mania and hypomania.

What makes it costly is that from the inside it does not feel like a symptom. It feels like confidence that has finally arrived. Plans you would normally check twice before acting on get acted on straight away: money is spent, jobs are quit, messages are sent, relationships start or end in a single afternoon.

Mild grandiosity can pass for ordinary optimism, which makes it hard to challenge in the moment. In its severe form it becomes a delusion. Either way, noticing it early is far more useful than arguing about it later.

See also

If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, you’re not alone and help is available right now. In the US & Canada call or text 988. In the UK & Ireland call 116 123 (Samaritans). Elsewhere, contact your local emergency services — Get Help Now lists lines by country.

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