You are not alone when it comes to experiencing bipolar disorder or its associated symptoms. Many people are known to experience this mental health disorder, and they can find treatment for it that works for them. However, what does it mean when someone is diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by shifts in mood, activity levels, concentration, and energy, which can result in the person experiencing difficulties when they are trying to complete daily tasks. These shifts refer to episodes called mania and depression. Mania is a period when people feel “up.” They experience symptoms of elation, irritability, and energy. However, people with bipolar disorder will also experience periods where they feel “down” and have symptoms of sadness, indifference, and hopelessness. This period is known as depression. Below are two of the most common types of bipolar disorder someone might be diagnosed with.

Bipolar I

This type of bipolar disorder involves having manic episodes for a minimum of 7 days or having manic symptoms that are severe enough that they require medical care. Depressive episodes will last a minimum of 2 weeks. People who have this type of bipolar disorder may have 4 or more episodes of mania or depression in a 1-year time frame, known as “rapid cycling.”

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I as it is a pattern of episodes; however, this disorder goes between episodes of depression and hypomania. Hypomania episodes include less severe symptoms of mania.