I've had such long depressions (up to 2 years long, then a short mania then back to depression for a year and a half etc.) that it can start to feel comfortable. So I kind of get what you mean. When you're depressed you're more reflective, and you tend to become entrenched in at least some sort of routine even if it's not productive or healthy. I can see how that would be better than aggression, irritability.

I guess I'm lucky, the only times I get irritable are during mixed episodes. My manias are typically on the happy/euphoric side.