It is quite common for people with bipolar to have hallucinations. I also understand it is quite common to cycle wih the seasons. I am a rapid cycler so I have no pattern to my cycles that I can tell just yet, except I know the winter is actually opposite for me. I get crushing depression/mixed episodes. I think I have seasonal affective disorder because this has gone on for as long as I can remember, even before I was dx'ed.

As for controlling the moods, you really need to get some sort of therapy to help you learn coping skills you can use to ground yourself during manic episodes. Learning some mindfulness skills would be a tremendous help (at least it was for me). DBT and CBT (dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy) can be really helpful with bipolar. I do DBT and I have gotten a lot better at handling my mood swings.

Good luck to you and never fear - you are, of course, normal - whatever that is