I think that the Bipolar population varies a lot also inside the different groups, I or II or Cyclothymia. Still there are people who are in the Bipolar NOS group. Bipolar NOS means that one has some Bipolar symptoms, but not enough to put the person in a certain category.

I am either in the Cychlothymic group or Bipolar NOS. I respond very well to antidepressants, but have to use cognitive methods together with relaxation exercises to cope with all degrees of hypomanic feelings. I have to admit that I am scared of using Tegretol or similar, afraid that the combo of antidepressants with these milder medications used for hypomania will not go well together.

We have discussed the topic many times in therapy (am not in therapy now) and we have come to the conclusion that I, for the time being, can have a so good a life as possible the way I am medicated. I am good at structuring my days, eat healthy and for the most of my weeks have a good sleep hygiene. If the hypomania becomes worse, well then we have to consider Tegretol again. (I use medications for physical diseases as well, so the combo has to be right for everything).

Don't think so much about if it is Bipolar or not. Just try to cope with every day as it comes and make plans for how to look out for "red flags" who are telling you that you need to inform somebody about your condition. Enjoy happiness when it is there and try to cope with "depressive days".