ok, so for me, i've been in this manic episode about a month. and it's not black and white. it's like euphoric sometimes, extreme agitation & irritability, crying spells, screaming, rage, ok-ness, craving for drugs and alcohol and sex, these all come & go. and it really varies in intensity... but it's been persistant. personal stress and crisis triggered it, I think. I am medicated so it makes riding it out a little easier, but I do think I could do this without the lithium. It is really good that I have the clonopin for anti-anxiety... you really just could have anxiety ya know? or maybe something to help you sleep at night would help? I have to make myself sleep every night so I be productive with work and dealing with the kids and all... ughh...