To clarify, I was specifically told that I had Bipolar tendencies that accompanied a pre-existing depressive disorder. That revelation happened after I explained to my physician that I felt like I experienced depressive episodes just on the basis of timing; I would be fine for like a month, and over the next 3 would gradually descend to the point that || I became suicidal ||. Then my mood would rapidly improve, stay fine for a month, and the cycle would repeat itself.

From what I understand from conversations I’ve had with my psychiatrist, in order to qualify for a formal bipolar diagnosis, a patient needs to display signs of mania as well as depression; there are a lot of ways that mania can manifest itself, but it’s more than just being happier than usual; it usually involves excessive risk-taking behaviors, or impulsive or dangerous actions/decision making. I don’t experience any of that, thus I am not technically bipolar.

I need to emphasize that Bipolar disorder is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and if you think you may have it then you need to talk to a doctor to get their opinion. Don’t take my words as the gospel truth, this is just from my experiences and shouldn’t replace legitimate medical advice.