Sleep was not an indicator for me. I was sleeping fairly regularly. I remember waking from time to time, but I maintained a 10 or so hour rest period the whole time I was symptomatic. There were many other indicators though. I know now what to look for. If any one of them appears, I take a step back and reflect. I ask others I trust to weigh in because I need the added assesment.

You seemed to have awareness of your behavior during your last episode. You were pretty honest about it here, but there seemed to be a disconnect between the recognition of the behaviors and belief and understanding that they were truly symptoms that were adversely affecting your life. A few people let you know you were in a recognizable pattern, but you seemed to have an explanation for the beahvior to convince yourself it wasn't of concern until it went on for quite a while. I remember doing that exact thing when I was manic.

Maybe you can turn that recognition into insight next time around. If one of the warning sign behaviors begin, try not to judge it as whether or not it means you are truly bipolar or manic. Recognize it as behavior that absolutely has the potential to create harm in your life and seek to put a stop to it until you can have more time to reflect and determine if it is truly harmless or a sign that you're headed into an episode. Try not to rely on your own explanation of why it is happening or justifiable like 'I'm just bored' or 'I have ADHD' or whatever. Use the assesment of others like your parents to supplement your thoughts. If they conflict, that is an indicator to stop for a while to give yourself time to gather more info for greater insight.

So... If you begin buying gifts for others and a lot for yourself don't try to reason with it. Just know it is possible it could be a symptom and talk to your T and take a step back from the behavior for some time. If it is determined after a while you don't have other symptoms, then maybe go ahead and make a few purchases because maybe you were just genuinely in a giving mood. If it turned out you were heading up, you got off the train before it really got going. It is a win win strategy.

I know the feeling of not knowing you can trust yourself. You are amazingly intelligent and resourceful and you're still seeking out ways to get there. That is really brave and I hope you find something that works better for you in the future.