I suffered from bi polar disorder since I was 15. Basically it means that sometimes time I get depressed for a few days to week or so and other times I get manic which is I get impulsive, hyper and try to do many things at once and that lasts for a few days to a week or so. I can also get irritable while I'm manic  but I still don't act like an asshole. There are many treatments for bi polar disorder including medication and different types of therapy. If you stick to your medication and do the therapy you can decrease the length and intensity of each episode and control your more destructive behaviors.  I usually tell people I'm bipolar but I use that as a coping mechanism. It makes me feel better to act like it isn't a big deal instead of treating it like some huge monster that must never be seen. bi polar disorder is never an excuse for shitty behavior. No matter how strong my emotions were or how deep I was into an episode I was always in control of my actions and consciously made each decision.  If you have any more questions just ask.