It appears you have been getting some help...this is always a first and probably the hardest step.

For ideas it is seems it is the basics...however...you've probably have experienced too...the basics are incredibly difficult to stick to...

Medication as prescribed
Eating correctly
Sleeping correctly
Excercising correctly

I've received this advice many times...when I'm down...can't get out of bed let alone excercise...just give me some ice cream. When I'm up...sleep, food, what are they?

Can't help with a comparison to PMS...but the rollercoaster ride with corkscrews and large climbs and drops...tends to be part of the bipolar experience...

Anyway glad you have found PC...during my travels...I found much direction from sharing here.