This talk explains the lure of mania, which those with Bipolar Disorder can be drawn to. Mania can bring short-term benefits at an early stage: energy, ideas, confidence, even increased sex drive. But it’s hard to turn off and goes too far and causes problems. The speaker explains how the need to achieve drives this and offers suggestions for how as individuals and societies, we can help reduce the lure of mania. BSL interpretation by Bonnie Lawrence of Deaf Action. Thomas is a Clinical Psychologist. He has worked in the NHS for several years with adults with mental health problems and now works at the University of Southampton as Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology. Thomas leads teaching and supervision around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Bipolar Disorder. Thomas has published papers about psychological mechanisms involved in Bipolar Disorder and how psychological therapies can help. He is a member of Bipolar UK commission and has helped them write reports about the care of those with Bipolar Disorder. He also has lived experience of Bipolar Disorder. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx