World Bipolar Day is celebrated each year on March 30th. 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 disorder. It is a complex and chronic condition characterized by extreme changes in mood and energy and can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s day to day life.

The aim of World Bipolar Day is to bring global awareness to bipolar disorder, to educate and improve public understanding of the condition, as well as ensuring that anyone impacted by bipolar disorder is familiar with the supports available to them.

To mark World Bipolar Day, we have put together a range of free resources that we hope will be helpful – whether you are living with bipolar disorder, supporting a loved one or simply wish to educate yourself on the condition. 

Living With Bipolar Disorder: Personal Perspectives

“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.”
Sophie
“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.”
Steve
"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. I wish people understood that you can live a perfectly normal life with the illness."
Liam
“People can perform to the highest standards and live with bipolar. It spurs me on to do better and succeed as a leader."
Jeanne
"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."
Niall
“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.”
Julie
"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."
Niall
“I feel stronger and more empathetic as a result of my experiences of mental ill-health. I hope to use my experience in my career and to help others. "
Stephanie
“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."
Sinead

Please scroll down to see all the free resources available with this campaign, or choose from the menu of options below.

Play Video

This webinar looks at how we can best look after ourselves if we experience bipolar disorder or depression. Where we can start, some of the barriers to care and how we can consider helping a loved one.

Play Video

In this webinar, “Understanding and managing bipolar disorder”, with Dr Declan Lyons, Consultant Clinical Psychiatrist and Clinical Associate Professor talk with Sinead Keating and Rick Rossiter, who share their personal experience.

Aware Mental Health Programmes

Empowering yourself with knowledge & tools to live well

Bipolar disorder is a condition that requires lifelong management – and knowledge is an essential first step. If you are living with bipolar disorder or supporting a loved one, we would really encourage you to check out our free positive mental health programmes below. Our Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme and Relatives & Friends Programme open for registration on 27th March with programmes beginning from w/c 17th April.

 

Play Video

The Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme is a FREE information and support programme. Educational in nature, the aim of the programme is to provide you with opportunities to understand and manage bipolar disorder effectively, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to live well. The programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks, one session per week, by an experienced mental health professional. 

A man and woman facing each other in a coffee shop window - Relatives & Friends Programme Image

The Relatives & Friends 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.

Blogs: Lived Experience Stories & Clinical Insights

In this blog series, our wonderful ambassadors offer valuable insights into their experiences of bipolar disorder.
Clinical experts and ambassadors offer their insights into bipolar disorder, its impact, supports and public/media perceptions.
Bipolar disorder: Diagnosis and recovery
Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme - insights
Commentary: Bipolar - A life less ordinary
Commentary: Misrepresentation of mental illness in the media

What is Bipolar Disorder & Tips on Coping

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition which can affect thinking, energy, feelings and behaviour. Bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life, affecting their relationships, family and work life. 

It is estimated that 1-2% of people experience a lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder in Ireland. A correct diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. It is characterised by periods of low (depressed) or high (elated) mood separated by periods of normal mood. One can lead a healthy and productive life once the illness is effectively treated. 

A lined sheet of paper with the words bipolar disorder on it
What is bipolar disorder and how does it affect me?
Helpful tips for coping with bipolar disorder
Man sitting at a laptop with a coffee - Life Skills Group Image
Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme

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.

Supporting Friends and Family
A man and woman facing each other in a coffee shop window - Relatives & Friends Programme Image
The Relatives & Friends Programme is a FREE psychoeducational programme designed specifically for those supporting a loved one