Hey all! Hope you are all having a good day/night! I've just started reading this book called "Why am I still depressed?" by Phelps and it is so informative as I'm trying to learn more about myself as I don't really know what's up with me and neither did my old pdoc (I'm getting a new one next month). Well...He just didn't really feel like listening to me, is the better way to phrase it. And the book is just helping me understand depression and bipolar SO much better.

There is something I'm confused about, though, and I hope they're not silly questions.

It seems like every time I read about mania or hypomania, the descriptions focus on euphoria. However, as Phelps said, euphoria isn't the only thing that's experienced during a manic or hypomanic episode. There are negative emotions, too, like anger, irritability, etc.

So I was wondering if anyone could give me some real life experiences you've had of manic or episodes you've had that wasn't just euphoria? Or that wasn't euphoric at all? How did it start, how did it build up, how did it peak, etc.?

And also...I REALLY apologize in advance for this question but I have no one else to turn to right now.

But for the people who have menstrual cycles: how can you tell the difference between your PMS symptoms and your depressive and/or bipolar symptoms? Or does PMS just make everything more intense?

Thanks a lot for your help, and I hope my questions weren't offensive or anything! I'm just trying to get some answers for myself.