I can only tell post mania. It creeps up on me fairly slowly. When I'm normal the depression is still there in the background lurking. But as the mania begins I don't recognize it as the only difference is not feeling depressed. Then comes the overconfidence, poor judgement, superhuman energy and impulsive behavior. Because it happens gradually and it feels so good I don't stop long enough to analyze whats happening, I'm too busy enjoying it.

Its only afterwards, days,weeks later after I've crashed that I can see whats happened. By then its too late and I'm in damage control......