So it sounds like a kind of very very agitated depression sometimes accompanied by psychosis? I'm still confused, but regardless everyone experiences it (as all related to Bipolar) in different ways.

Or full blown mania with depressive features, though maybe that's the same thing?

But one thing is clear, at least from what you guys have responded, is that it's not an unending up/down state (which I have seen explained on another forum elsewhere) it's truly a constellation of of symptoms that are experienced simultaneously, which at least makes some sense DSM-wise (not that everyone neatly fits into the DSM).

Hope this makes sense, I have come down with the flu of the century and am feverish, etc. with migraines thrown in for good measure.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!