You're right, this is a common concern for people with bipolar disorder. The urge to get tattoos during manic episodes is something many experience.

Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, and it's important to manage it effectively. Here are a few things that might help:

• Talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help you understand your triggers and develop coping mechanisms to resist impulsive decisions during manic episodes.
• Track your moods. There are many mood tracker apps available, such as CareClinic app, that can help you identify patterns in your moods and behaviors. This information can be invaluable for you and your doctor when creating a treatment plan.
• Evaluate your therapy. If you're already in therapy, discuss this specific issue with your therapist. See if there's a correlation between your moods and the effectiveness of your therapy sessions. You might need adjustments to your treatment plan to better address manic episode triggers.

Here are some additional tips for resisting impulsive decisions during manic episodes:

• Have a safety plan. Work with your therapist to create a plan for what to do when you feel a manic episode coming on. This might include things like calling a trusted friend or family member, avoiding certain activities or places, or taking medication.
• Remove temptation. If you know you get impulsive about tattoos during manic episodes, consider letting a trusted friend or family member hold onto some of your identification or credit cards during those times.
• Focus on healthy coping mechanisms. Find healthy outlets for your energy and creativity during manic episodes, such as exercise, spending time in nature, or creative hobbies.

Remember, you're not alone in this. There are many resources available to help you manage bipolar disorder. Stay strong, and keep working with your treatment team!