Lived Experience Perspectives for World Bipolar Day
Arlene’s Story
Irish country-rock singer Arlene Bailey is from Co.Kildare originally, she grew up listening to and singing American Country music inspired by her mother and father both from musical families. Having difficulty with her mental health from teenage years onwards including a suicide attempt, Arlene asked for help from a range of sources; doctors, therapists, psychotherapists and counsellors at various stages of her journey.
In her 40s Arlene began to keep a ‘mood diary’ after visiting her GP and subsequent referral to a psychiatrist – which revealed not just lows but also highs which had previously gone unnoticed.
After months of observation working with a team of specialists – Arlene’s life changed for the better at 42 years old, when she was diagnosed with bipolar II and received appropriate support for her mental health condition.
“Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar was a turning point – it meant I could finally seek the right support and learn how to manage my condition.”
In her spare time Arlene now practices yoga twice a week, which helps her to switch off, and enjoys exploring the Irish countryside with her husband in their camper – she has found over the years that an alcohol-free lifestyle helps her mental health, especially allowing her to notice when she has changes in mood. Arlene advocates for increased awareness of mental health in Ireland, noticing that stigma still exists in how people perceive a bipolar diagnosis.
Arlene took part in Aware’s free eight-week Living Well with Bipolar programme, which is delivered by a mental health professional. She now shares her lived experience perspective to help improve the wider public understanding of mental health, and encourage those who need it to seek help.
Read more on Arlene’s Mental Health Journey
- Article; ‘Singer on living with bipolar disorder: ‘I struggled for years, don’t be afraid to get help’, by Aine Kenny, RSVP Live, 18 February 2026 linked here
- Interview; ‘Kildare singer opens up about ‘life-changing’ diagnosis on 40th anniversary of mental health charity’, by Edana Flynn, The Irish Independent, 07 October 2025 linked here
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Read more on the Aware World Bipolar Day page here.
Empowering people to look after their mental health is an important part of Aware’s supports including our Living Well with Bipolar Programme. A free service delivered by a mental health professional, designed to empower participants by deepening their understanding of bipolar and helping to identify personal triggers for mood changes – this programme provides a strong foundation for thriving with bipolar. Registrations for the next course and more details available here.
For those friends and family supporting a loved one experiencing bipolar or depression, Aware also offers a Family and Friends Support Programme, a psycho-educational programme providing information, understanding and practical support. The free programme aims to equip participants with the tools to better understand and support a loved one, whilst maintaining their own wellbeing. Registration and more information available here.