Are you generally (not just during mania or depression) good at self-deception? Not just being in denial about your problems, but at convincing yourself (too easily) that you can or cannot do something or should or shouldn't do something, that you deserve or need (or that you don't deserve or need) something you really shouldn't (or should) allow yourself to do or have or that you (or others) are something you're (or they're) not.

How good are you at convincing others of such deceptions? Does it (sometimes) feel like you're manipulating other people? How often do you change your mind? Are you unsure what to believe?

Do you have more problems with this when depressed? Do you think it's shameful, that it makes you weak? Is this what depression for you is all about?

Do you deny yourself pleasure, some indulgence, happiness, or something (else) that's good for you, something that satisfies your needs, because it makes you feel stronger, to make up for your feeble mind?

Edit;
For me it's (still, pretty much) yes (or very) to all of the above, except that my more severe depressions are probably somewhat affected by it, but it's not an essential part of it).