This Sunday marks World Bipolar Day - a day observed globally. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma that is often associated with the condition.

Around 6 million adults living in the United States have bipolar disorder. Experts say that it is a mental illness that many misunderstand. They say that the first thing to know is that there is more than one type.

Bipolar 1 is characterized by mania, with symptoms like an elevated mood, racing thoughts, increased energy, being more impulsive or taking risks and irritability. The symptoms can last for a week or longer.

Bipolar 2 is characterized by a depressive episode.

“A depressive episode is two weeks or longer of symptoms, such as lack of interest, irritability, reduced energy, and of course sad mood for more days than not over that two-week period,” says Louisa Sylvia, a psychologist with Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Mass General Hospital.

Sylvia says that it typically takes about a decade to get a correct diagnosis simply because of a lack of knowledge about the disorder. She says that about half of bipolar disorder patients also face other conditions like anxiety, eating disorders or substance use disorder.

Sylvia says that if anyone is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, there is help available. She says one’s primary care physician can find a treatment that is right for them and that early detection is important.

“The more episodes you actually experience of bipolar disorder, evidence suggests that makes it more difficult to treat,” Sylvia says.