Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant fluctuations in mood, energy, and overall functioning, affecting over 4% of adults in the United States during their life. It typically starts in early adulthood and entails mood episodes ranging from extreme highs to lows. These episodes include depression, characterized by sadness, low energy, and a lack of motivation; mania, involving an elevated or irritable mood; hypomania, a milder form of mania; and mixed episodes, where both depression and mania or hypomania symptoms occur simultaneously. While everyone experiences mood changes, individuals with bipolar disorder endure severe and prolonged changes that may affect personal relationships, finances, and legal aspects. Despite being a lifelong condition, effective management and support allow individuals to lead fulfilling lives.