Someone with this condition has moments of mania and then periods of depression. That is why this disorder is sometimes called ‘manic depressive’. The two states are the total opposites of each other. The mania period is usually short while the bipolar depression state can go on for months at a time. This depression can be very bad, and can lead to thoughts of suicide. These thoughts and this state of mind should never be taken lightly. If someone you know has bipolar depression, you should take everything they say very seriously, even if things don’t make sense. It could be a cry for help. There are many great medications for those that are suffering from bipolar depression.