Honestly, your best bet would be to talk to a psychiatrist. They would be alot better trained at trained diagnosing this kind of thing. There are a lot of criteria in the DSM-TR-IV for diagnosing these kinds of things, and I have no training in this kind of thing.

Having said that, my completely uneducated guess is that you aren't bipolar. You have HIV, and I'm pretty sure that mood swings are pretty darn common for us. But like I said, if you think this is a problem then talk to a psychiatrist.

if the depression is HIV related, then by law, any HIV appointments your employer must allow you time off work to see the doctor. PLUS, any time missed at work for HIV appointments can be made up. At least that was the law in 2008, and my employer still follows it.

Yes. Consult with your doctor/therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. One diagnosis for them to consider is Seasonal Affective Disorder, symptoms which happen especially this time of the year because of the lack of sunlight. However, you could be having general affects as result of HIV & or physical illness. Any number of diagnosis or combinations should be ruled out by a professional. Take care of yourself. Hugs for the trudge.

People with HIV who have symptoms of depression should see a psychiatrist experienced in treating folks like us.

I think it's better if you talk to your doctor