I'm kind of with you. Your symptoms sound more PTSD/depression-related than bipolar. We can't really diagnose here, but I am someone with both PTSD and bipolar disorder, and over the years I've come to be able to distinguish PTSD reactions/symptoms from my bipolar symptoms. The hypersensitivity and racing/ruminating thoughts are just as attributable to PTSD as they are to bipolar. Lack of sleep is an issue with depression, particularly if you are tired rather than energetic. The facial distortions,etc. sound very similar to derealization which can be associated with the anxiety PTSD can create.

It sounds like you've really struggled with meds. I can understand your wariness to try any others. Can you develop a safety plan with your therapist so that both she and the pdoc can feel comfortable that in a crisis you will stay safe? Working through trauma can take a very long time and can be very intense.