I don't know really. It's been less than a month since my diagnosis with BP. This is all new to me. I'm fairly certain that I was in a manic phase in late spring (when I halted all of my work to become a potter of all things).. and then went into depression for most of the summer. Looking back at my life these patterns become clear. There is also my family history to consider... which is loaded with various issues related to depression and substance abuse. My guess is that your first guess is the best... they just haven't gotten to know me.