Sometimes it takes a while to really notice the symptoms. Anxiety is something you know is there, there's no doubt about it. Personally I never really saw any hypomanic phase, but they would be pointed out to me, or I realized it way after the fact. This past episode as the first time I ever noticed what was happening, when it was happening. I don't know you well enough to say yes or no about your diagnosis, but maybe a new pdoc can give a different perspective or explain why a bipolar diagnosis was given.

Good luck to you as well elevated soul!