Did you know that 1 in 12 people are impacted by bipolar disorder? Chances are, you probably didn’t.

World Bipolar Day is on the 30th of March, and its goal is to aid in breaking down stigma and raising awareness around this life-altering condition. The date of the 30th of March was chosen as it is Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday, who was diagnosed with bipolar after his death. Awareness of the signs, symptoms and when to help is crucial for both those with bipolar and those who are friends or family members with someone who has the condition. Knowing when and how to act could save someone’s life.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause huge shifts in mood and energy. This goes beyond an average “up and down” in the way you’re feeling, these mood swings can take someone from erratic emotional highs to deep depressive, sometimes even suicidal episodes. These intense emotional states can be incredibly dangerous, with the highs often causing mania, making the person act out in unthinking, extreme ways, to the lows having the potential to make everyday tasks such as eating and going to work almost impossible. Stigma or lack of understanding about just how detrimental this condition can be can also make living with bipolar even harder when you feel as though you have nowhere to turn for support.

So, how can you help? It’s easier than you think.

• To begin with, just having someone listen to you with no agenda of “fixing you” or “making you better” can feel incredibly comforting. They may also then see you as a reliable, patient presence in their life which can add to their reassurance.
• Making sure you have a support plan in place in advance of any episodes can make dealing with the symptoms easier for both members involved. When the person is feeling well, sitting down together and looking at measures such as helping them manage money, keeping them in a routine or even setting up code words/signals for when they think an episode is coming can help both of you feel stable and in control of what may come.
• Finally, encourage professional help when you feel it may be necessary. You won’t be expected to have all the answers and solutions when it comes to helping someone with bipolar disorder, but gently talking to them about professional help options may take the pressure off both of you. You don’t need to manage this alone.

As part of the 2023 Summer Celebrations, the Faculty hosted author and University of Manchester Lecturer Horatio Clare, who talked candidly about his struggles with mental health (particularly his diagnosis with bipolar disorder) and how he has overcome them, highlighting in his memoir Heavy Light that he took matters into his own hands when it came to recovery. You can read more here: BMH Athena SWAN | SHS Summer Celebration

If you are living with bipolar disorder, it’s important to remember that there is support, and people that want to help, out there. The Bipolar UK website offers resources such as a mood scale and a mood diary that are free to use. To find out more about bipolar awareness day, check out the official Bipolar Awareness website here.

For University of Manchester support, the Disability Advisory Support Service (DASS) can advise you on the specific measures and resources that can be in place to help you manage this condition. Alternatively, if you wish to seek support from a well-being perspective, the Staff Wellbeing page has assistance ranging from mental health helpline numbers and urgent support to useful resources and documents.

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