what does bipolar mean

The term "bipolar" refers to a mental health condition where a person's mood swings between two very different states: mania (or hypomania) and depression. Mania involves feeling extremely high, energetic, or irritable, while depression involves feeling very low, sad, or hopeless. These mood changes can last for days or weeks, and sometimes even months. People with bipolar disorder may also experience periods of normal mood between episodes. The word "bipolar" itself comes from "bi" meaning two, and "polar" meaning opposite poles, reflecting these two opposite mood states. However, bipolar disorder is more complex than just swinging between mania and depression—there are various types of mood episodes that can be intense or mild, and some individuals may not experience all types of episodes. Bipolar disorder used to be called "manic depression" in the past. It affects mood, energy, activity, judgment, and behavior, and can significantly impact a person's ability to function in daily life. It is generally a lifelong condition but can be managed with medication and therapy.