One of the most common mental health disorders is Bipolar I and II, in fact around 3 million people each year are diagnosed. And while mental health is being pushed into the spotlight even more there is still quite a bit of stigma circulating around it, and with Bipolar Disorder this is even more true due to the nature of how it is constantly presented in the media, whether it be on the news or even in films. So, what is Bipolar Disorder? And what are the manic and depressive episodes like?

* I am not a licensed therapist therefor do not take this article as medical advice. If you or someone you love is needing help please seek a licensed therapist.

Not many are aware that there are two different phases that revolve around bipolar disorder, they are manic and depressive. What are they? How would you classify them? What are the symptoms of the phases? These are the most common questions regarding these two phases, and quite honestly it can be hard to pinpoint them from an outsider who is not aware of how to spot if their loved one is going into either phase.