“Mood swings” are a common misconception of bipolar disorder. Wikipedia says:
Most people who meet criteria for bipolar disorder experience a number of episodes, on average 0.4 to 0.7 per year, lasting three to six months. Rapid cycling, however, is a course specifier that may be applied to any bipolar subtype. It is defined as having four or more mood disturbance episodes within a one-year span.
So episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression occur over weeks and months rather than hours.
postcapitalism@lemmy.today 1 week ago
Untreated bi-polar disorder commonly gets worse and worse in terms of lows / mania until it hurts you or someone you care about. Seek treatment and medication.