WORLD BIPOLAR DAY 2024
Strength for today, Hope for tomorrow.
March 30th, 2024
World Bipolar Day (WBD) is a time to help eliminate social stigma and discrimination against people with bipolar disorders; by helping to raise awareness and sharing evidence-based information, we hope to improve sensitivity and understanding towards people living with the illness and encourage them to seek support and treatment then need to improve their health and wellbeing.
Learn to recoginise the signs of Bipolar Disorder.
About one in 50 adults in Ireland live with bipolar disorder. It impacts men and women equally and affects people from all backgrounds and walks of life. While it can happen at any age, the first signs are often seen in a person’s late teens or early adulthood.
We do not know the exact cause of bipolar disorder; however, it is thought that our genetics, biology and environments may all be involved.
People living with bipolar disorder can live full and healthy lives with the right support and tools to understand and manage the condition.
Aware's Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may benefit from Aware's free Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme. Aware offers this programme in online and in-person group settings. Participants also benefit from dedicated follow-on Support & Self-Care Groups, through which they can give and receive support as they further explore and implement what they have learnt for Living Well with Bipolar Disorder.
Understanding & Managing Bipolar Disorder - Depression Support - Aware
Help and support is available.
Learning to recognise triggers.
You can learn to recognise the warning signs of an episode of mania or depression.
Someone close to you may be able to help you identify the early signs of relapse from your history. For example, a mental health professional, peer support worker, family member or friend.
Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) are very useful. Your local community mental health team can advise you on how to develop this plan.
This will not prevent the episode from happening, but it will allow you to get help in time.
This may mean changing your treatment. Your GP or specialist can discuss this with you.