Mood swings vs mixed state

Is there a difference between having mood swings and being in a mixed state? Cause I can’t really tell what I am feeling right now but I am all over the place. I wrote emails to my T that I am now embarrassed about and don’t want to face her at session tomorrow.

Mood swings are going from one mood to another mixed is having symptoms of both at the same time

Most people in the world have had mood swings in their lives. A "mixed state" of bipolar disorder generally requires that symptoms be severe enough (and usually long enough) to qualify as some episode. The traditional definition of an episode with mixed features is one where some or many symptoms of both depression and hypomania (or mania) happen simultaneously or in rapid succession.

Moodswings of milder intensity are often more common in people with bipolar disorder than the general public, from what I've learned from my psychiatrist and past therapist.

The therapist has probably seen it all - and if she has not, then this is a learning opportunity for her, so do not worry and do not feel embarrassed. She is, after all, a professional you hire, not a social acquaintance of yours.

For me mixed states are most dangerous of all - the content of thoughts is depressive but the speed of thoughts is manic. This raises the risk of suicide.

How long have you been feeling this way?

About a week. Last week I was so busy at work that I missed some med doses.

Missing med doses can definitely be the culprit.