I dont think mania = disregard for others as Seaswept mentioned that someone else had posted. I've been manic too many times to count but that's not the way it plays out for me.

Its hard to tell mania from hypo for sure sometimes. And just happiness from hypo? Hard still. Mania usually lasts a longer duration than hypomania I believe. And from my experience that's true for me. Also level of functioning. I can function at high speed when hypo, very productive. But when I am manic I might think I'm productive but I'm not and I am also usually functioning at a low level.

It really sucks when every mood change you have is being questioned by family or friends. I understand their worry and caution but it can really make a dent in the person being questioned. Les say my bf really ticks me off and I get upset... " oh you must not be doing good mentally" his response. That really makes a person feel invalidated over what might be a very valid thing, event, situation. And happiness, well we should all feel free to be happy without question. But if it's even hard for us to tell where the line is, I can see why it's even harder for an outsider.

I think tho the more we fret over each changing mood the more we might actually be welcoming in trouble unintentionally. This creates anxiety and stress which is never good for anyone really.

Good luck and I hope it was just some unforeseen happiness coming your way! And keep up hope because things do always change, and things do get better. Feelings are temporary, and every moment is temporary.