I don't think its fair to say that no one struggles with depression here; the board is full of posts indicating people in a depressive episode. But when you're depressed, you feel bad, and its easier to reach out for help (therapy/docs/hospital).

Manic is life wrecking, and can do it very quickly, and makes you want to avoid help and *DO* things. Fun, terrible, life changing things.

With D, you have time to get help, time to wait it out, time for a hospital to sit on you for a while, and then you can muddle along afterwards hopefully having escaped the depressed episode.

I don't think it is at all irrational to fear mania much more than depression. Even if both are bad and should be treated as doctor and patient might so choose.