Hi Bobbi, glad you are back. Sounds like full on menopause is underway. Yes it does add to the havoc of mood swings and a few other unpleasantries. It does pass.

From what I understand clinical depression is an on going state of depression with some breaks of 'normal'. Bi-polar depression involves periods of mania. Mania comes in many forms but it usually involves a degree of hyper euphoria, grandiousity, hyper energy, some loss of inhibitions, recklessness, racing thoughts... those kinds of symptoms. Its the opposite of depression. It can last for a few hours or a few days. It may or may not include psychotic episodes. It can switch rapidly or slowly. The degree and intensity defines the type of bi polar.

You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms to get a determination of what your mood swings are about.

I think it feels like life kicks when we are down because we are already bruised so the kick hurts a little more. Life kicks sometimes. We survive by kicking back. We thrive by kicking higher.

I think sometimes we don't give ourselves enough credit nor enough rewards for staying standing. We wait until we are down before we acknowledge our feelings or discover our needs. Its a strange kind of self abuse really. Ask yourself everyday what can I do today to honour myself and make this the best day it can be for me.

I think if we did then we would be less inclined to perform to earn validity and we would more authentic with ourselves and others. There is much to be said for being authentic. We too often let a boat load of shoulds steer our lives. It takes practise to listen to and fullfill our needs.