I have always had more episodes of depression than hypo/mania. The depression is devastating. I can't stop crying and worrying about everything. As far as the "up"swings, I tend more towards hypomania. Now these episodes I don't mind so much. I think I'm pretty cool when I'm hypomanic. I have lots of energy, need very little sleep, my husband is happy because I am hypersexual, and I am very insightful. Unfortunately, I also have no filter, and I should not be handed a credit card, because I will spend us into the poorhouse. I've been diagnosed bipolar I because I have had the pleasure of having a few full blown manic episodes - one which required hospitalization. For me mania is like a bad "trip" that you think will never end - you can't shut your brain off. Although I've never run naked through the streets, I have been known to think people are following me or listening in to my phone conversations, and I could swear that I've heard people in my house at night on more than one occasion. As far as patterns, I can't find any. My moods seem to be random, although stress can definitely trigger a depressive episode. I hope that helps. I'd love to hear what other people have to say.