Hello starshinelady. Welcome to PC Bipolar sub-forum.

I have had the same experiences. Even the stealing, lol. since I'm lucky, I've never being caught.
I haven't done it in the lasts few years do to tech changing faster that I can learn. But it's fun.
The item is not important, most, I give away or lose. It's the thrill of the challenge.

I go thru the same cycles with interests. Only now, I know the fever will come back, and I don't get rid of stuff anymore.
Electronics, yes, they become obsolete with time. Now, guns, coins and stamps, don't bother me much. I know one day, I'll wake up wanting them.

If going thru this cycles makes a bipolar, I must be one.

However, deep depression needs distraction too. And that's what they are for me.
Distractions. And if bought at auction, all the better.

Good luck with your appointment. Cheers.