Personally, I've experienced being closer to "higher beings" during manic/depression, but from a different point of view.

Manic:

I aspired and even visualized attaining the state of Nirvana (a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. That's my religious belief even though I am a free-thinker)

I felt so mighty and grandiose that I have the world in my possession to save every living beings from their sufferings, could be tiny ants, live stock, humans living in impoverish states....and so much more.

Depression:

I felt so low like it was down the dark, fetid sewer. No more grandiosity, and neither did I felt I was in control. As I walk alone outside on the street, I began to pray that I could get over these dark periods in my life with ease. Meanwhile, it saddens me even more whenever I come across traffic boards on the side of the road, appealing for witness to come forward to assist the police with the investigation of serious or fatal accidents.

It stirs a lot of emotion in me, and I really sympathize with the deceased victim of the accident. Even with a decrease in my quality of life, I contemplated about life wisdoms and spirituality while combating the negative thoughts.