Did I have a manic/hypomanic episode?

Question:
My pdoc doesn't know if I'm bipolar or just have depression. I fluctuate a lot in terms of my moods, but not sure if I've ever had mania. Last weekend I had friends of my parents over and I was really irritable. I went off on a rant about the environment and couldn't stop myself - I knew I was going too far, I knew they weren't interested and were thinking- wow! she's too opinionated! but yet, I couldn't shut up!!! It's never happened to me before. Is that mania? I wasn't elated, that's for sure - I was actually quite pissy.
Opinions? similar experiences?

It could be...I ususally have really risky behaviours when in a mania stage...I think irrtablility is one of the the items on the symptom list

I think Direction is right. I know I can easily get pissy and just turn and be very happy and talkative! It is very wierd......Now that I kind of "know" when these states come on I try to just keep to myself but sometimes it still doesn't work cause I realise it after it has already passed!

Anyway very well could have been mania and don't worry what others think you really can't when you don't even totally understand it yourself! I hope I helped at least somewhat.

take care of yourself,
Hopes

Thanks for your comments... I just don't understand what's happening to me. Sometimes I feel like I'm not in control of myself. My moods go from great, getting a lot done and being a good mood, to horrible, having thoughts of death, trouble getting out of bed, etc... I just feel lost. My pdoc wants me to take lithium, but I'm scared. Am I bipolar? Other than the time in which I went on a rant, I don't think I've been hypomanic...

I have felt many of your issues and was finally dx with bipolar about 2-3 months ago...