I go through this quite a bit too. I work in a corporate environment, and have to then minimise my contact with people. I even listen to my iPod and stay in my own world. Yes, some times I am out of line. Just this morning I snapped at someone, and didn't realise how badly they'd taken it...
When I get home, I try get into bed asap. Klonopin does help me sleep. And I find I tend to eat a hell of a lot more than usual (comfort food I think).
I rapid cycle, so these episodes generally come and go quite quickly. It's when they creep out the blue that I take major strain.
It's also sad that we aren't as quick to take a day sick leave when we battle emotionally, but not if we have a cold or similar. Personally I need to learn this too, but maybe it's something you need to implement too.

Speak to your partner to go easy on you too and take up some of your responsibilities at home.