Welcome to PC, fox- it is nice to meet you

Yes, I have crazy hallucinations every time I go manic...hence my diagnosis of bipolar 1 with psychotic features. My hallucinations are so real to me, it is not until later after the episode is over that I realize they might have been hallucinations... notice I said "might have been"- even afterwards, it is still difficult for me to accept that the visions/sounds were hallucinations.

I also change moods with the seasons, and it is a crap shoot whether it will be mania or depression. Wildflowerchild has given great recommendations on how to deal with it. Mindfulness is key to learning the signposts of oncoming mania or depression.

Not easy, but possible. Blessings to you, I wish you the best.