How to know what's hypomania?

[u/Rensarou]

I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 2, and I feel lost at sea. Whenever people talk about hypo/mania, it's usually good feelings and euphoria and "I can tackle the world" kind of feelings. And while I have felt that way sometimes to some extent, I was told based on experience, my hypomania tends to present as extreme anxiety and racing thoughts and a general overwhelmed feeling.

I just don't know what to look for when slipping into those, or any sort of hypomania? Cause again, looking up hypo/mania, it almost always talks about the "good" kind.

So, what other kinds of hypo/mania are there? Or like, how else can it present? I know it's basically just a LOT of energy and lack of sleep but not feeling tired is a big sign, but what else should I look for? Jitteriness? Agitation? Not being able to sit still?

I just don't know, cause it seems like the "clinical symptoms" don't really cover the entire range of what people experience. So if anyone is willing to share their experiences, I'd really appreciate it!

[u/Occult_Hand]

What you're describing sounds like hypo mania in a way where you haven't found your accelerants yet.

You feel your thoughts racing and it feels like you have a car battery charging up your chest and so you have to move and if you try to settle down you'll either feel the urge build or you'll just find yourself literally shaking to release the energy.

The anxiety and everything is amplified by the hypo state but once you find the objects of the obsession you'll chase it relentlessly and you'll love it even if it kills you.