Normal ups and downs of depression

What are the normal ups and downs while being depressed before it would be classified as bipolar, with little manic symptoms. This is something I've wondered for a while..

DeepThinker,

I am clinically depressed and have been screened for Bipolar a couple of times. My understandiing of Bipolar is that there are more manic activities involved during the high and more dangerous activities during the lows. That is a very watered-down lay analysis of what I have gathered based on the quiz.

Here is a site that I think has the same questions that I was given during my screening. Maybe this will help to clarify what I have said.


http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm

I hope this helps because I think that bipolar and depression are sometimes hard to differentiate.

Best,

N.

I have always wondered if I am Bipolar.

Based on that quiz I fit into the Bipolar I catergory.

Doesn't suprise me. I should see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis and check that I am on the right meds.

I was perscribed Zoloft over a year ago for depression. It was so severe that I was unable to get out of bed, I was so exhuasted. I was unable to look after my child. Meds have helped me alot but I am still having episodes. I still go up and down alot more than I would like and I become obsessive over men.

I'm a single mum and i dont date, I havent for a long time but I get feelings for someone and i become obsessed over it and drive myself crazy with the whole 'does he, doesnt he' drama.
I hate that I do it.. But I dont know how to stop.

I'm in the middle of one such episode right now and I have managed to catch myself and try to calm down about it atleast.