I had my first recognized depression at 16yrs, and as far as I can remember, about one a year since.
Hypomanias have also occurred regularly, with happy mood, ideas, initiative, productivity, grandiosity. -just great. I did some stupid things in grandiosity, but no harm.
I have considered myself healthy, and mood swings a thing to cope.

When I consulted a pdoc 3 yrs ago for adhd i realised that the incentive was current hypomania - just knew.
Hypomanias bring creativity, self confidence, flow of ideas, pleasant mood and high activity for maybe 4-6 weeks. Then I often crash down into a middle to severe depression for about 4 weeks, withe fatigue, stagnant head, no fun, no good, isolation, no desire to stay alive ---.
I have always lived according to the recommendations for bipolars - maybe that has made me able to stay in work all the time, and nobody reacting. Self disiplin and heavy mental effort as well.
So good not needing that any longer. Lamictal renewed my life.