World Bipolar Day | 30th March

Bernadette

"The impact of silence is immense – through sharing my story I hope I have broken down some stigma or at least provided some insights into living with bipolar."

Sophie

“My bipolar slams me up and slams me down. My head can be relentless and I find it incredibly difficult to rest. When I'm getting manic, I become addicted to doing things almost as a way of outrunning my head but often my thoughts can become strange and frightening.”

Steve

“It is hard for people to understand bipolar disorder, as many who have the condition find it hard to comprehend it themselves. Its symptoms are so diverse that no two people have the same experience of it during their lives.”

Liam

"I wish people understood that having bipolar doesn’t mean you are never in a period of wellness the same as any other person who doesn’t have the condition... You can live a perfectly normal life."

Jeanne

“People can perform to the highest standards and live with bipolar. It spurs me on to do better and succeed as a leader."

Niall

"While it is important that an illness such as bipolar disorder is recognised as a disability, it is also important to stress that when those of us with bipolar are well, we are capable of having mortgages, being great parents, being highly productive at work and so much more."

Julie

“Something I wish people understood about bipolar is that it is not like it's portrayed in the movies. It is not the flick of a switch that your mood changes.”

Niall

"Living with any mental health issue is so difficult but if you can do one thing today to help yourself then please do it, no matter how big or small."

Sinead

“Bipolar doesn't exist in a vacuum. It seeps into every aspect of my life. If it's going to be supported, that support has to be holistic."

Yvonne

"I feel society has become more understanding and accepting of bipolar. But I'd highlight that someone being bipolar doesn't mean they are sick all the time or are any less able than anyone else."

Arlene

"For people going through this mental health journey I would like them to know that there is help out there - you are not alone; Speak Out and Ask for The Help."

Grace

"Either too dark or too brilliant, is how I'd describe living with bipolar - like some cerebral Wizard of Oz seeing the world spin from the grey spectrum to technicolour."

On 30th March we mark World Bipolar Day, with a unified effort across the globe to raise awareness and encourage support for those affected by this condition.

Affecting up to 40 million people worldwide (WHO, 2022), it is estimated that 1-2% of people in Ireland experience a lifetime prevalence of bipolar. A complex and chronic condition characterized by extreme changes in mood and energy, bipolar can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life.

Whether you are living with bipolar, supporting a loved one or simply visiting this page to educate yourself, the resources below include Lived Experience stories, Clinical insights and information on the free ‘Living with Well with Bipolar’ programme and other supports available.

Recognising and coping with bipolar

Stories from lived experience of bipolar and clinical insights

Webinars: Watch back

Supporting our friends and family

Free mental health programmes to live well

Aware Mental Health Programmes

Empowering yourself with knowledge & tools to live well

Bipolar is a condition that requires lifelong management – and knowledge is an essential first step. If you are living with bipolar or supporting a loved one, learn more about the Aware free positive mental health programmes below. The Living Well with Bipolar Disorder Programme and Family and Friends Support Programme are open for registration in 2026.

The Living Well With Bipolar Programme a FREE programme, led by a medical professional, designed to empower those who take part. It aims to deepen their understanding of bipolar and by fostering self-awareness, encourage a proactive and compassionate approach to self-care, and emphasise the importance of social supports – to provide the to live well. The programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks, one session per week.

The Family Support Programme is a FREE psychoeducational programme designed specifically for those supporting a loved one. The aim is to focus on the self-care of the supporter, while also equipping the supporter with the tools to understand and support a loved one experiencing depression or bipolar disorder. The programme is delivered over the course of four weeks, one session per week, by a mental health professional.

Watch Back Webinars: Insights into Bipolar

Lived Experience Stories & Clinical Insights

Everyone’s mental health experience is unique. Here a range of Aware Lived Experience Ambassadors share their personal experiences of bipolar and their journey to diagnosis.

Clinical experts offer their insights into bipolar disorder, its impact, and supports.

Exploring Bipolar Disorder & Tips on Coping

Supporting Others

If you are looking for information and resources to help you as you support a loved one who experiences bipolar disorder, we have some helpful actions and options below.

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