Help me understand bipolar disorder? PLEASE READ DETAILS?

There is much in books and on the web about bipolar disorder. What I am asking of you is that if you have lived in this environment either as a family member or the person with the condition, would you share your EXPERIENCES. I mean, how often does it take to cycle between the polarities? Treatments? Cooperativeness of the patient? How do you cope overall….Whatever you choose to share.