So I saw my new T again today. I asked why they placed me with him, and he said probably because he works with a lot of bipolar people, which is what I was hoping to hear.

We talked over my symptoms again, and he says it sounds more like full-blown mania than hypomania. That was a bit of a shock. I'm just starting to get used to the idea of bipolar ii, and now I'm hearing bipolar i, which just sounds even scarier. I mean, I know that both are serious, but "classic" manic depression is so much more intimidating to me. So now I am worrying about that (instead of doing any work.)

I have an appointment for a full psych evaluation next week, which will hopefully settle the question. But I'm curious what people here would say - what's the difference between mania and hypomania? I know hypomania is milder, but I can't really tell what that might mean in practice. Any examples?