If you ask me, I think the true defining characteristic of bipolar - in general - is its cyclical nature. They can be long cycles, they can be short, but if the ups and downs keep happening over and over again, yeah, that sounds a lot more like BP to me than general depression coupled with anxiety.

After that, a dx of bipolar is more a matter of symptoms to guide the medication plan. BP1, BP2, cyclothymia, w/ev... They really kinda bleed together at the edges, but the labels are good guidelines for which meds to try first.

My suspicion is that BP2 goes wayyy underdiagnosed due to the stigma attached to BP and that nobody complains to their doctor when they're in their upcycle.

So, welcome (back) to the club!

Good Luck