All conditions

Mood

Bipolar Disorder

Shifts between depressive episodes and periods of elevated or irritable mood with unusually high energy (mania or hypomania).

Affects roughly 1–2% of people; typically first appears between ages 15 and 25.

What often comes first

Noticing several of these over weeks is a reason to talk to someone — not a diagnosis.

  • Needing much less sleep and not feeling tired
  • Speeding thoughts and speech others struggle to interrupt
  • New certainty about big plans, spending or risk
  • Unusual irritability alongside high energy
  • A depressive episode that began in the teens or after childbirth

This page is educational and cannot diagnose you. If any of it feels close to home, bring it to a GP, doctor or therapist — and if you're in crisis, see urgent help.