Bipolar Disorder, by definition, is a mental disorder marked by alternating periods of elation and depression. And it is REAL. It is a disease that consumes you and takes your life away little by little if you allow it. I've watched it take over a loved one piece by piece and it's so difficult. My heart goes out to all the families that battle with this illness.

Here are 6 things I've learned so far:

1. Watching your mother break down is the HARDEST thing ever, no matter how close you are.

There comes a breaking point for everyone, but this one will be the hardest to watch.

2. Simple daily tasks are things we take for granted. When your mind is going in 15 different directions, these little things become so difficult to accomplish.

Sleep is a task I would consider 'simple'. Your mind is awake, therefore you are too and so is the whole house because you're verbally trying to silent it and pacing the floor. Too many nights when the lack of sleep takes over and I listen to his personal conversations with himself do I wonder if that's what it's like all the time in his head. I can't imagine it and it breaks my heart every time.

3. Showing frustration becomes a thing of the past. Positive vibes are much more important to their well-being and also yours.

We all know its difficult to keep a straight face and stay calm when in a hostile environment, but that's exactly what you have to do. Sending a positive vibe rather than being condescending or mean back doesn't help anything. It's important to keep your cool even when you think its impossible.

4 . The drugs involved to treat the disease will BLOW YOUR MIND. There are so many side effects even you feel them.

Learning about all the drugs out there to treat this was interesting, but also a whirlwind because of all the life changing side effects. One causes you to sleep all day but must be taken three times a day, one causes a 40% increase in weight gain, so better get a gym membership, another one causes you to be so happy others start to question what drugs you're on. It was and is an ongoing battle that I hope will soon come to an end.

5. It is absolutely terrifying watching an adult throw a full blow 'terrible twos' tantrum and not remember a single thing from it.

Your body can only handle so much, it's almost to the same effect of blacking out while drinking. All the stupid things you did and said are forgotten by you, but remembered by all. In my non-medical opinion, I think it's a way of our brains protecting itself.

6. Taking your medication every day is SO important!

Although there are the nasty side effects of the medication, and just remembering how bad they are for your body, your brain needs it. It's so important to make sure the medication is taken every day when it's needed. Something that we've encountered and find so difficult is that it makes you think you're okay because it makes you feel that way. So it slowly becomes a battle of whether or not its truly needed and the answer is yes! The side effects of not taking it are not pretty.