World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day History

World Bipolar Day aims to raise awareness and eliminate social stigma around bipolar disorders, promoting social acceptance for people affected by this mental illness. A joint initiative by the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), this Observance is critical in fostering understanding about the complexity of bipolar disorders, initiating informed discussions about mental health issues, and advocating for better healthcare services for those living with this condition.

For Australia, World Bipolar Day has a significant implication. The Black Dog Institute's report indicates that approximately one in 50 Australians will experience bipolar disorder during their life. Up to one in five people with bipolar disorder will take their life due to inadequate medical help and lack of support. The significance of World Bipolar Day in Australia is underscored by these statistics, highlighting a dire need for increased awareness, research, and funding devoted to this serious health issue.

In Australia, World Bipolar Day is observed through various activities aimed at raising understanding about bipolar disorders and reducing the social stigma surrounding them. These range from educational seminars and conferences, public awareness campaigns on social media platforms, to fundraising events for mental health charities. World Bipolar Day takes place every 30th of March, and more importantly, call for an inclusive society where individuals with bipolar disorder can live without prejudice or discrimination.

Facts about World Bipolar Day

• According to the ISBD, in 2024, there are 60 million people worldwide affected by Bipolar Disorder.
  According to SingleCare, in 2022, 46 million people around the world have bipolar disorder with 2.8% belonging to the United States.
• There are several types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar 1 is characterized by one or more manic episodes that last at least a week and may require hospitalization. Bipolar 2 is characterized by more depressive episodes. Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by varying levels of mood called hypomania. It can last for years and occurs with less intense depressive episodes.
• The cost of bipolar disorder in Australia has been estimated to be about AU$1.6 billion per year.
• The Black Dog Institute, a prominent Australian non-profit organization dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating mental illness, is involved in World Bipolar Day. They participate through educating the public, conducting research, improving clinical treatments, and advocating for mental health reforms.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Bipolar Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Bipolar Day

• Learn more about Bipolar Disorder and how it can affect individuals.
• Read a book to learn more about Bipolar Disorder:
  The Up and Down Life: The Truth About Bipolar Disorder - the Good, the Bad, and the Funny - by Paul E. Jones
  Bipolar, Not So Much: Understanding Your Mood Swings and Depression - by Chris Aiken and James Phelps
• Read a book to learn more about Bipolar disorder in Australia:
  Mastering Bipolar Disorder: An Insider's Guide to Managing Mood Swings and Finding Balance - by Kerrie Eyers and Gordon Parker
  A Straightforward Guide to Understanding Mental Illness - by Leonard Smith