I think there is a type of bipolar that can have rapid cycles of highs and lows but I'll guess that you don't have bipolar disease if you notice periods of highs and lows within just a few days.

I hope you feel better, desjardins.

I'm 34, it would have shown up by now, right?

Not necessarily - it's quite possible that, if you have bipolar, it has not been triggered "on" yet. However, since your crying jags have a reasonable explanation, then it's possible that your feeling on top of the world instances are normal counterbalances to your crying. Or it could arise from a change in medication, allergies, or whatever. It just depends on what is normal for your body and if anything has changed - that could cause the rapid mood swings.. /I am not a health professional so my opinion is just that.

Write down what's happening and pointedly ask your mental health practitioner again. An acquaintance of mine had his first manic episode in his late 50s. I do not have bipolar disorder, but my significant other does. And you may remember my stepdaughter has schizoaffective disorder (bipolar + schizophrenia.) I've had eight years to learn about bipolar and am here if you need to talk. I think we've exchanged email in the past, desjardins. If you don't have it any more it's luminous DOT phenomena AT gmail DOT com.

Bipolar II can be rapid cycling a.k.a. cyclothymia, with shallower lows and lower peaks of mania. The upshot is that bipolar disorder responds very well to medication once the adequate drugs and dosages are determined.

*whuffles*
I'm here for ya, if you need me.

Yeah, go get checked for type II or cyclothymia. With your family history, particularly, it is best to be proactive.

BTW, when I was ill, I dealt with what my doc called "rapid cycling." There was a patch where I was suicidal at breakfast, just fine at lunch, back in the pit before dinner, and on and so on. Not fun.

It's possible you are just fine, but better to check.

And I forgot to mention-life stressors can trigger this illness in susceptible individuals. Go get checked!

I've just finished Marya Hornbacher's Madness,in which she gives a graphic account of her experience with bipolar.

Luminous Phenomena is wise. If it's bothering you and/or those around you, it's worth getting checked out again.

desjardins, I had no business answering this question. Like others have suggested, seeing your doctor is the best idea.

Yeah, Luminous Phenomena said what I would have said. I would add that if you have someone who you can talk to about it and who can keep an eye out for you, that would be a good support to get in place. Someone who you can run things by and say, "Does this sound like me? Should I wait to make this decision?" or who you can go to for support if you're not feeling grounded or 'normal'.

Your doctor will probably ask you if you're taking any medications or supplements/eating anything different than usual/etc. Loss of sleep can be a big trigger too.

I had some hypomanic episodes the first year or two when I was on antidepressants (in my case, Serzone). We dialed down the dose a notch and that helped quite a bit. Are you taking any meds that might be affecting you similarly?

And yes, please do see a doctor if you're concerned. If you feel your concerns are being disregarded, you can always seek a second opinion. Hang in there.