Dysphoric euphoria: When mania comes to call

Much like this painting, people tend to see mania’s pretty colors and pleasing symmetry first. Most people stop looking there. But if you look closer, you’ll see the darker side of the upswing – the fear and uncontrollable mind.

I’m not bipolar. I want to say that right out front. I know many people who are, and I’ve studied cognition and mood like it was my job, and I can tell you right now that I am not suffering from that particular disorder.

I do, however, suffer from intense periods of dep...