I think I know what you mean. I can definitely relate to what you wrote. I don't know if you've ever taken the Myers Briggs/Jung test, but I am an INFJ, and it describes me perfectly....Although I am an introvert, I form fewer, but very deep connections with others, and sometimes it happens very quickly. The mania makes it even more intense though where it might become "magical thinking." Although part of this for me is personality, it is very strong when hypo, but I withdraw when depressed.

It becomes almost spiritual, or like kindred spirits. This can happen fast, and it's my intuitive side coming out. I am an empath by nature, so I tend to "absorb" the feelings of others, including their pain, and feel some kind of unexplained connection. I don't know if I am conveying this properly, but I'm trying my best to explain this. When my mood is elevated, I feel this especially. I think the withdrawing afterwards in my case has to be a combination of the introverted trait that I have, where I feel I need to recharge after spending time connecting with others, but also, depressive episodes make me isolate and feel all alone.