All of this is really helpful!! Thanks to you all for sharing this information. I've been wondering about the same things---in the beginning, this diagnosis was pretty devastating and I didn't know if I'd ever trust my own emotions again.

Now that the Lamictal's kicking in, I'm gaining some insight, so perhaps I'll be able to get a grip someday and be able to tell happy---or irritated--- from manic. (Depressed is far easier to figure out, or at least it was, until this last time which was my first-ever mixed episode. I don't recommend these for obvious reasons.) Nice to know there's hope!