You don't neccessarly? have to have depressive episodes all the time....I rarely get depressed, in fact I am more likely to make a joke in a moment of seriousness. The depressive episodes that do occur are very dark...scary and can be sudden but rare.
There is no single discription that fits all bi-polar diagnosis...vary as much as the people that have it...the symptoms are what make up the diagnosis...
but mistakes have been made...so get yourself off to another pdoc and get a second diagnosis...or a third if that is what it takes to satisfy the questions you have. Doctors are human and they can make mistakes. You have doubts, so find out as much info as possible.
Take Care...Mojo3