CowOne,
I realize that you felt you only suffered from depression all these years, but I noticed a contradiction in your post that subconsciously you may not be aware of ( I was in denial of BP until four years ago). You first stated that you don't have the"happy side effects of mania and then you requested a good method for getting yourself to calm down and focus during the day, The latter of what I just posted is mania. Mania is definitely not only euphoria; in fact it rarely is or all of us would be constantly seeking it ( like cocaine addicts who neurotically seek an artificial form of dopamine because they have depleted their own supply due to lack of re-uptake. A bi-polar's dopamine is (when mania is at an extremely high level; whether due to falling in love, a new exciting job orjust feeling high during the manic months which are from June to the end of September. To relax your thoughts during the day, Yoga and reading are very helpful. Good Luck, Maureen