National Bipolar Day, observed each year on March 30, is drawing renewed attention to a mental health condition that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world, while continuing to expose persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and equity in care.

Bipolar disorder, once referred to as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that can interfere with daily functioning, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These shifts include periods of elevated or irritable mood known as mania, as well as episodes of depression that can last for weeks or longer.

Health experts say the scale of the condition is significant. An estimated 2.8 percent of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder in a given year, and roughly 4.4 percent will experience it at some point in their lives. Globally, about 37 million people are living with the condition, according to the World Health Organization, which describes bipolar disorder as a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Despite its prevalence, bipolar disorder is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. The World Health Organization notes that many individuals experience delays in diagnosis or do not receive treatment at all, in part due to stigma and limited access to mental health services. Those barriers can be even more pronounced in underserved communities, including communities of color, where structural inequities, lack of culturally competent care, and historical mistrust of the healthcare system contribute to disparities in mental health outcomes.

Researchers and public health officials emphasize that bipolar disorder is not simply a fluctuation in mood but a serious medical condition with wide-ranging effects. Episodes of mania may involve heightened energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive or risky behavior, while depressive episodes can bring persistent sadness, fatigue, and thoughts of hopelessness or suicide. The condition is also associated with higher rates of co-occurring illnesses, including anxiety disorders and substance use, and can contribute to a shorter life expectancy if left untreated.

However, access to that care remains uneven. Data from federal health agencies show that many Americans with mental health conditions do not receive adequate treatment, and stigma continues to discourage people from seeking help. In communities of color, these challenges are compounded by socioeconomic factors, underinsurance, and a shortage of providers who reflect the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the populations they serve.

Advocates say National Bipolar Day is an opportunity to change that narrative by promoting awareness, encouraging open conversations, and connecting people to resources. The observance also coincides with the birthday of artist Vincent van Gogh, who is widely believed to have lived with bipolar disorder, underscoring the long, often unrecognized history of the condition.

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, health authorities stress that it is treatable. A combination of mood-stabilizing medications, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help individuals manage symptoms and lead productive lives. The World Health Organization states that with appropriate care, many people with bipolar disorder can achieve stability and recovery.

As National Bipolar Day is recognized across the country, experts continue to call for expanded access to mental health services, increased investment in community-based care, and a sustained effort to reduce stigma—particularly in communities that have historically been left out of the mental health conversation.