Commemorate World Bipolar Day: Engage Participation
Every year, World Bipolar Day is celebrated on March 30, which coincides with the birthday of renowned artist Vincent van Gogh. After his demise, experts speculate that he might have suffered from bipolar disorder. This disorder affects millions worldwide, with an approximate 7 million individuals in the United States alone. Besides depression, bipolar disorder is a prevalent mood disorder in the U.S.
Despite increasing attempts by healthcare professionals and society to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness, a 2021 survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) revealed that 84% of adults perceive stigma as a significant obstacle preventing individuals from seeking treatment for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.
World Bipolar Day aims to mitigate the stigma associated with bipolar disorder and enhance the quality of life for those affected by hosting:
- educational sessions
- discussions
- awareness campaigns
Anyone interested in the cause can contribute to World Bipolar Day, be it a person living with bipolar disorder, someone related to an affected individual, or someone committed to fostering a more inclusive community.
Sharing personal experiences
Openly discussing mental health is a powerful means of combating the stigma that surrounds it. Share your own struggles or experiences with mood disorders to promote:
- empathy
- understanding
- inspiration
- encouragement
Platforms like social media and online forums offer an excellent platform for sharing stories about living with bipolar disorder, thereby offering support and guidance to those who require it.
According to a 2020 survey, 75% of U.S. teenagers and young adults experiencing depression-like symptoms resort to online resources for assistance, increasingly seeking solace in other people's experiences through various forms of media, such as blog posts, podcasts, and videos.
Get involved online
On March 30, engage in discussions using the hashtags #WorldBipolarDay and #bipolartogether across social media platforms, as suggested by the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF).
Assistance for allies
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder requires understanding and sensitivity. Remember that a person may initially feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with a close friend or family member. Avoid pressuring them to share their story or making assumptions about their experiences. Making a safe and non-judgmental environment is essential for fostering open conversations about bipolar disorder.
Online resources such as MakeItOK.org offer guidance on how to approach conversations about mental health effectively.
Allies sharing others' stories on social media should be mindful of the language used and avoid stereotypes. It is essential to remember that a health disorder is not an individual's identity, even though some individuals might choose to identify closely with it.
Gain more knowledge about bipolar disorder
World Bipolar Day serves as an opportunity for individuals living with bipolar disorder to acquaint themselves with their condition, the available treatment options, and strategies for managing its symptoms in daily life.
Becoming a supportive ally to those with bipolar disorder entails having an informed perspective on the disorder and its impact on individuals. Engage proactively in learning and avoid relying on others to do the educating for you.
A plethora of online resources are available to help individuals comprehend bipolar disorder better. The IBPF and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) provide articles, videos, and webinars on their websites, featuring contributions from experts and individuals living with bipolar disorder.
Subscribe to the IBPF's newsletter for updates on:
- current research
- expert Q&As
- community initiatives
- wellness suggestions
Support bipolar disorder research and resources
Various organizations diligently work towards assisting people with bipolar disorder. Donations help these organizations ensure the provision of resources to both patients and healthcare providers, such as:
- educational materials, like webinars, articles, and print resources
- community outreach, including public or online events
- conferences and training seminars
- online and in-person support groups
Funding for research on bipolar disorder can also be used to investigate:
- the natural history of bipolar disorder
- the efficacy and safety of existing and emerging treatments
- potential new methods to aid people along the spectrum of bipolar disorder
In addition to the IBPF and ISBD, other notable organizations supporting those with bipolar disorder include:
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- NAMI
- Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
The ISBD's website features a comprehensive guide to organizations and resources catering to individuals with bipolar disorder globally. Furthermore, fundraising events for these organizations can boost the impact of donations.
Engage in Research
Research forms the base for medical advancements, including those focusing on mental health. Active or recruiting clinical trials for bipolar disorder are available on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
Two primary categories of clinical trials in bipolar disorder research to consider include:
Interventional Studies
These investigations examine the impact of a treatment, such as a medication or therapy, on the behavioral shifts in a group of individuals. Individuals joining the study receive the treatment as part of the experiment, with researchers assigning them to it. These studies can sometimes be lengthy, and an individual can only take part in one at a time.
Surveillance studies
These investigations search for tendencies in data collected from individuals who do not receive a specific intervention. Researchers may still observe individuals who have undergone certain treatments as part of their regular care, but they do not decide which participants receive them. Participating in this kind of study may involve completing questionnaires.
Making a Difference
Every March 30th marks World Bipolar Day, providing a chance to increase awareness and foster a community for individuals living with bipolar disorder.
Though communities are taking strides to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health, there's a long road ahead.
There are numerous ways to get involved – both for individuals living with bipolar disorder and those looking to support them. An individual can contribute by:
- openly discussing their personal experiences with bipolar disorder
- providing a platform for others to share their experiences
- utilizing World Bipolar Day as an opportunity to learn more about the condition
- donating to or participating in clinical research
Despite the progress made in combating mental health stigma, research suggests that race can influence the perception and treatment of mental health conditions. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Black individuals with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed and undertreated compared to their white counterparts. This racial disparity in mental health care highlights the need for increased awareness and advocacy in the field of raceandmentalhealth.
Addressing mental health disparities is essential in improving the overall mental health of the global population. By dedicating resources to understanding and addressing these disparities, we can work towards ensuring that every individual, regardless of their race, receives equitable and effective care for their mental health concerns, including bipolar disorder.
