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I think of it as mood 'episodes' as opposed to mood 'swings.' Someone may swing from one mood to another during the course of a given day, but in the case of bipolar disorder, usually, once you're in an episode, it becomes pervasive, it lasts (maybe a week or more) and thoughts that come to mind, what others do around you -these may certainly affect you, but they're unlikely to bring you out of this mood state/episode, whether it's depression or hypo/mania.
Bipolar is also characterized by changes in energy, not just mood. So when you're hypo/manic, it's not just a matter of mood (happiness/irritability) but a radical change in energy level, where you may be able to go on little or no sleep, yet still feel very energetic, you may be so agitated that you can't sit still or stop talking.
If you don't already have a psychiatrist, I would consult one for an evaluation. A therapist may also help in reframing these thoughts you are having that are bringing you so down, so that they don't have this effect on you. Best of luck.
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