A representative for Catherine Zeta-Jones confirmed Wednesday April 13, 2011 that the actress recently underwent inpatient treatment for bipolar II disorder at a Connecticut mental health facility. The revelation that the unshakable actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder illustrates a hallmark of the disease: it can strike at any time in a person\\'s life and is often brought on by prolonged stressed. In the case with Zeta-Jones, 41, she likely fell victim to the disorder\\'s wild mood swings after her husband Michael Douglas went through a high-profile battle with stage IV throat cancer and after a grueling court fight with Douglas\\' first wife over proceeds from the "Wall Street" movie sequel.

So what is a bipolar condition? Bipolar condition is a mental health disorder and it comes in two forms: bipolar I and bipolar II.  Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by mood swings between the two psychological pulls of depression and euphoria (or mania). It can start at any time in a person\\'s life and it\\'s a lifelong illness. In most cases the disease is diagnosed when a person is in his/her teens or early twenties. About 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder -- almost six million people.

Zeta-Jones is said to have been diagnosed with bipolar II, which is a form of the disorder which is characterized by longer low periods of depression and brief periods of euphoria. Bipolar I, in contrast to Bipolar II, is typified by clear states of mania or euphoria that can last from days to months to even years. It is important to know that stress is one common trigger for bipolar disorder, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. The condition can also be spotted if someone has a prolonged feeling of agitation, trouble sleeping, major changes in appetite, and thoughts of suicide.

So how is bipolar condition treated? The answer generally involves 1) medication, particularly the daily administration of lithium carbonate and other mood stabilizers, 2) reduction in stressful external forces that allows one to maintain good sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits, and 3) psychological support in the form of regular and ongoing therapy.

Most people with bipolar condition are able to use the three therapeutic modalities listed above to move beyond the disease and live happy and well-adjusted lives. Although mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, are often stigmatizing, Zeta-Jones\\' public announcement of her condition may help others seek help for their own mental health.

Mental health is an integral part of a healthy life. Take the time to review the stresses in your life and determine if there are ways to reduce stress. Make sure you align yourself with the 4 corners of a stable and healthy life: proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.