Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that used to be called manic depression. If you have it, your moods can swing between periods of extreme highs (called mania or hypomania) and extreme lows. These aren’t usual “ups and downs.” When you feel “up,” you may have extreme joy or crankiness and so much energy that you don’t want to sleep. During your “down” times, you may feel sad, hopeless, or have thoughts of suicide.

There isn’t a cure for bipolar disorder. It’s a condition you have throughout your life. But with long-term medication and therapy, it can be managed well.