[11217mackem]

quite misinformed.

~1/3 of bipolar people fall into the category you are describing – rapid-cycling bipolar.

for the rest, the cycles are months long, whether manic, euthymic, or depressed, and often following seasonal patterns.

clinical bipolar disorder vs. the ups and downs of human life are quite different. it's difficult to understand unless you have seen a loved one suffer it, or have been afflicted with it yourself.