Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that include emotional highs, known as mania or hypomania, and lows, known as depression. During manic episodes, an individual might feel overly energetic, overly happy, or irritable, often leading to impulsive decisions. In contrast, depressive episodes can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or interest in daily activities. This disorder affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions, and its symptoms can vary widely in intensity and duration. Effective treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes to help manage these mood swings and enable individuals to lead balanced lives.