I get both. I can *usually* tell them apart, but also sometimes situational can morph into an episode, especially if life is being an unrelenting crap-fest.

I'm glad you're working with your T on self-esteem issues and thought patterns. They really can wreak havoc on our well-being. And they really know how to pile on!

(Yes, some people do have episodic unipolar mania. It is rare, but does happen. Heck, by DSM, one only needs to have a single manic episode to be dx'd BP I(!) No depression even required.)