Bipolar disorder is a mental‑health condition that causes big swings in mood, energy, and activity levels. In everyday language, it means a person experiences periods of feeling extremely upbeat, energetic, and sometimes reckless (called a mania or hypomania) and other periods of feeling very down, sad, and low‑energy (called depression). These mood shifts are stronger and last longer than the normal ups and downs everyone feels.
Treatment usually combines mood‑stabilizing medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle habits to keep the swings manageable. If you think you or someone you know may have bipolar, a mental‑health professional can help with diagnosis and a treatment plan.