Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million Americans, aged 18 and older. There is no specific person it affects, it can happen to almost anyone, regardless of age, gender or race. On the other hand, different types of bipolar disorder episodes, some may be more severe than others. The three main types of bipolar disorder are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. The five main episodes of bipolar disorder are Manic Episode, Major Depressive Episode, Hypomanic Episode, Mixed Episode, and Rapid Cycling or Ultrarapid Cycling. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by episodes of mania and major depression. Some people with bipolar disorder will be prone to mania or depression, while others may have neutral amounts of both. In most cases, bipolar disorder begins during adolescence, although it can begin as early as early childhood and as late as the 1940s and 1950s. It mostly happens to people between the ages of fourteen and sixty. The disease is mostly familial in nature, so it is said to be hereditary. However, it can affect anyone, man or woman, regardless of age, race, ethnic group or social class. Bipolar disorder has different symptoms depending on the stage the person is in. Symptoms of manic stages and depressive stages. During the manic phase or Mania, the patient would feel as if he is untouchable, he would have an elevated mood. A sense of euphoria and little to no remorse for one's actions. They would have feelings of greater self-esteem and creativity. Many ideas flow in their mind and a lot of energy to realize them. Excess racing thoughts can be d...... middle of paper ......Anxiety and so much more. Therapies are great resources to control the disorder such as cognitive behavioral therapy which treats focused on identifying unhealthy and negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy and positive thinking. It can help identify what triggers your bipolar episodes. Most of these therapies can help them learn effective strategies for managing stress during upsetting phases of their lives. In conclusion, unfortunately this mental illness does not go away. Although bipolar disorder is a long-term mental illness, there are treatments that can suppress its severity and, in turn, help the patient live a more mentally stable life. Your only support as a family member is to stay by their side and never turn your back on them. It is a serious disease that affects the individual making daily coexistence difficult.