DBT has been great for me. it stands for dialectical behavioral therapy and what it does is combine some aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy with aspect of eastern core mindfulness skills. it's not a process therapy, it's more of a building of a skill set so you have coping tools to use when your moods are not where they should be. it's helped tremendously with my depression and self harm although it's not working for mania right now probabyl because i'm having too much fun and dont want to use my mindfulness skills.

mindfulness skills would probably be the most helpful during hypo/mania because they would keep you grounded. DBT Self Help is a good place to start. also picking up the dbt workbook for bipolar.

i'm lucky enough to be involved in a DBT IOP program. the book was way too overwhelming for me to deal with on my own so i sought out this group. they have been so helpful in explaining what core mindfulness really is, as well as coaching me through difficult episodes using distress tolerance skills such as TIP (temperature intense exercise progressive muscle relaxation), radical acceptance, half-smile, etcetera. i would recommend DBT to everyone.

as for dealing wit mani i can't help you because i'm not handling mine real well right now as evidenced by the many typos my tiny keyboard can't keep up with my hands.