Is this bipolar?

I'm no doctor either, but I notice there's a diagnosis called persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia):

Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by either subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years.

Note: In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.

So there's another possibility to consider, if you've been feeling like this for at least a year. It takes a professional, really, to work out what the problem really is.

If you'd ever like to chat about these things, feel free to message me.

@Wellhereiam

I am not sure if I have bipolar disorder or a different obscure form of depression. I am depressed most of the time and cry over something small, but sometimes I randomly get really really happy for something small. At night sometimes my mind races and it takes a lot of effort to slow it down. I can't stay up too late or I'll wake up at 4 am and think horrible thoughts that won't go away. I am also slightly paranoid I think.

@RooDailies

Hey! I'm no doctor yet, but I've been studying psychology to get my degree and I wanted to help ya.

There are a handful of different bipolar disorder subsets--
- bipolar I,
- bipolar II,
- substance/medication-induced bipolar or related disorder,
- bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition,
- other specified bipolar and related disorder
- unspecified bipolar and related disorder

Some info:
- In bipolar I, criteria has to be met for at least one manic episode (which you said you haven't had, yes?)
- In bipolar II, criteria has to be met for at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode. There has never been a full-on manic episode, though. I'd consider checking the symptoms of a hypomanic episode, to make sure you haven't had one.
- When bipolar disorder is medication-onset, the symptoms don't precede the usage. If the symptoms persist for a substantial period (e.g. one month) after usage, there's evidence pointing towards an independent, not-substance-induced bipolar disorder.
- When bipolar disorder is due to another medical condition, the disorder has to be shown from the medical history or physical examination that the disorder is the direct pathophysiological result of another medical condition.
- Other specified bipolar and related disorder is a diagnosis used when the symptoms characteristic of a bipolar or related disorder that obviously cause distress in the patient predominate but do not meet the full criteria for any of the previously-listed disorders.
- Unspecified bipolar and related disorder is similar to other specified, but is used when the clinician chooses not to specify the reason the criteria aren't met.

Dysthemia is possible, but considering your longest period has only been approx. 3 months, I don't think it's what you have. Dysthemia occurs to patients constantly-- for most of the day, more days than not-- for at least two years (or for one year, in children and adolescents). Other symptoms or diagnosis factors can include:

(typically two or more of this group)
- poor appetite or overeating
- insomnia or hypersomnia
- low energy
- low self-esteem
- poor concentration, or difficulty making decisions
- feelings of hopelessness

- there has never been a manic or hypomanic episode (!), and criteria has never been met for cyclothymic disorder

- the symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition

While I wouldn't rule out the mood disorders by any means, I'd probably look more towards depressive disorders until you have a manic or hypomanic period. The depressive phases are obviously severe if you've been self-harming.
There are several mood- and depressive-disorders to research. You'll likely know better than I would-- so I tried to give you some guidelines to help you research for yourself!
There are many lovely therapists here that could also help you, if you reach out to them!
Hope this helps. (-: