Bipolar disorder is a mental illness affecting about 3% of people in the US. Like most mental health issues, it is greatly stigmatized. So here are 5 things that people with bipolar disorder really want you to understand.

They aren't crazy.
Truly, those mood swings and manic episodes do not mean that they are unhinged or need to be walked around on eggshells. They are people, and should be treated like everyone else.

Their manic and depressive episodes might be frustrating for you, but they're equally if not more frustrating for them.
Manic episodes entail feelings of overconfidence, and happiness with the other side being extreme anger or irritability. Depressive episodes entail feelings of low self-esteem and severe depression. There are various versions of mania and depressive episodes, all of which have their own complications. And keep in mind, they know how difficult it is for you to keep up and understand what they're going through. But for them, it is as if that very episode is all that's happening. When they're happy it's as if they're on top of the world and nothing can go wrong. And when they're in a depressive state, it is as if they will never be happy again, and happiness is this unachievable and unattainable state of mind. Needless to say, they do have plenty of normal days and emotions, but they do not choose their feelings and emotions when they're having an episode.

Not everyone has the same type of bipolar disorder or treatments.
In addition to having many different subtypes of bipolar disorder, it is important to remember that it is a broad spectrum disorder. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms and even then they can be experienced in varying degrees. And also there is a long line of treatment options; not all are the same and will work for everyone. Each treatment is specialized to the individual.

They have bipolar disorder. They aren't bipolar disorder.
People with bipolar disorder are not defined by their illness. Their illness is just a part of a daily struggle that they have. It does not mean that that is all that they are. They are human beings with thoughts and feelings, and don't want to be identified by their illness. Please respect and understand that they just want to be treated with the same regard as everyone else.

If they tell you about their illness, feel lucky and appreciated.
This means that they trust you with one of their most private struggles, and that they know you'll support them no matter what. Don't take that lightly. They trust that you won't stoop to stereotypes and fear, that you will ask if you have a question but that you won't make assumptions.

For people with bipolar disorder, it is often a daily struggle. They do not ask for it. What they do ask for is your compassion and understanding.

So please go forth and love one another, for that is how people with mental health issues make it through: With mutual love, understanding, and support from one another.