In our society today, mental health is very important. Mental health is generally what an individual faces on a daily basis and how they behave in their relationships between themselves and others or between their own relationships with themselves. With the horrific events happening in America today, it is imperative to care for the mentally ill. Mental health disorders do not single out certain people or discriminate based on age, race, sexuality, etc. Many factors can trigger these depressions or mental episodes and can range from mild to severe. Among the many mental health disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are among the most prevalent. This article will compare the definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, and nursing between schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by failure in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral areas of functioning. These breakdowns usually lead the person to have inappropriate actions and feelings, incorrect perceptions and delusions, a separation between reality and fantasy and also a feeling of psychological destruction. Likewise, bipolar disorder is a group of mood disorders that range from extreme mood swings, manic episodes to depressive episodes, or even mixed episodes that can affect daily life. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by a mental disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, activity levels, and energy. The manic part of bipolar I disorder is characterized by an abnormal and persistently elevated mood lasting at least a week. This manic episode is accompanied by at least three additional symptoms such as a decreased need for sleep, flight of ideas, ease of distraction, and a significant increase in...... middle of paper ... ... need education, social interventions and support for patients and their families, all provided by the nurse. Nurses have adopted therapeutic communication from past experiences and schooling, where there is a non-judgmental approach and will allow the patient to communicate with them at ease. Therapeutic communication techniques are often presented such as recognition techniques, self-giving and presentation of reality. Ongoing support is the primary goal of managing both diagnoses. Mental health will always be a part of nursing and will continue to be known. In the world we live in today, many accidents and horrible events are happening due to mental illness and have made the world more aware and ready to take on the task of managing its care. Mental health disorders can affect any type of person and involve a variety of signs and symptoms..