What types of bipolar disorders are there? How severe is it? Can you explain the disorder to me?

There are a few types of bipolar, but they generally have similar symptoms. Bipolar 1 is a form of bipolar where a person has experienced at least one depressive episode and at least one manic episode. This is also thought of as 'mixed episodes' because the person has both sadness (depression) and mania (elated mood, may appear very outgoing/cheerful/happy but is manic). Bipolar 2, in contrast, is when a person has at least one episode of depression and one hypomania episode. Hypomania meaning 'not as manic', or sort of in the middle. People who suffer with Bipolar type 2 typically have at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode where they don't feel as depressed, but it would not qualify as feeling 'good' necessarily. Bipolar disorder is a depressive or mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness (depression) and elation (mania). Sometimes there are periods of both (Bipolar type 1) or sometimes there are feelings of depression and then not-so-depressed (Bipolar type 2). Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently, so there is no real 'severity' comparison. Some live with bipolar disorder and have very little symptoms, others may have hallucinations and be completely unable to function (typically in a manic episode). The most important thing is that if someone has bipolar disorder that they are sticking to a treatment program (whatever that may be) and getting the right amount of support they need. This will provide them the opportunity to have the best outcome possible, and also minimize the negative effects that bipolar disorder may have on their lives.