What does it mean to be bipolar?

It's a disorder: Bipolar disorder is a neurobiological disorder that is usually inherited. At its most severe it has extreme mood (depression, euphoria) swings, temperament problems (aggression, irritability, rages), suicidality, and chronic sometimes debilitating anxiety. Other milder forms exist more commonly. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-a-parents-guide.

Bipolar: A term for manic depression, with cycles of depressive episodes alternating with episodes of mania or hypomania, interfering with daily functioning.

Bipolar: Bipolar I and bipolar II, In the first, manic phases are more severe, and in the second, depressive phases are more severe. There is also cyclothymia which is a low grade version of bipolar disorder in general, where mood swings are not as severe in either direction, manic or depressive.

Ups and downs: Bipolar disorder means you have mood dysregulation. Atleast once in your life you will experience a manic episode which is atleast one week of symptoms which include but are not limited to:rapid speech, impulsive behavior, flight of ideas, no sleep without feeling tired, in addition, you may have symptoms of major depression which includes depressed mood, lack of energy, hopelessness.