March 2, 2023

Did you know, 30 March is World Bipolar Day?

It’s also the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, whom himself was diagnosed with bipolar.

Other famous names who live/lived with Bipolar to name a few, include Buzz Aldrin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Frank Sinatra, Stephen Fry, Carrie Fisher, Demi Lavato, and Winston Churchill.

But why are we talking about World Bipolar Day, a day which aims to encourage understanding about what bipolar is, the perceptions of what it isn’t, and importantly, tackle the stigma that is associated with the disorder?

Well, Becky, Mental Health Volunteering and Employment Officer on our Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment Team wanted to take some time to raise awareness and, importantly, get conversations started which aim to break down some of that stigma.

Because breaking that stigma and having those open, honest conversations is especially important given an estimated 1 million+ people in the UK have bipolar, a serious mental health condition characterised by significant mood swings. It is something that can affect anyone, of any age. However, it can sometimes take years for someone to be diagnosed properly.

‘Someone with bipolar can experience highs (hypermania or mania), lows (depression) and mixed states (where symptoms of depression and mania occur at the same time) in between long or short periods of stability (euthymia)’.

Detail from Bipolar UK

Types of bipolar:

• Bipolar Disorder I: Includes at least one manic episode. Although people often experience depressive episodes in Bipolar I, it’s not required for diagnosis.
• Bipolar Disorder II: Diagnosis requires a major depressive episode and a hypomanic episode, or an episode with similar symptoms to mania, but slightly milder.
• Cyclothymia: For a diagnosis to be made, cycling between hypomanic and depressive moods must occur for a least two years with symptoms present for at least half the time.
• Rapid Cycling: Rapid cycling involves at least four episodes of mood changes within a 12-month period and cannot be caused by substance use or another medical condition.

Bipolar is a lifelong condition and currently has no cure, but it can be managed by medication and other support mechanisms. Significantly though, for many living with Bipolar, the biggest impact is often that worry of being judged by others. This was highlighted to us when one person shared their personal experience, saying that as soon as they tell people they have Bipolar, they can see it in the other persons’ face that they have boxed them off, put them in a category where they are not sure how to talk to them anymore.

Myths

It, therefore, goes without saying how important it is to break down the myths and misconceptions associated with the disorder, and encourage people to be open and feel comfortable in having conversations. Especially as no one person living with Bipolar is the same, everyone’s experiences are different. And it’s not about mood swings, erratic behaviour, violent behaviour – perceptions people may have about someone living with the disorder.

One of the biggest myths for someone living with Bipolar is they can’t work or can’t hold down a steady job. But that is not true as research evidences the impact work and volunteering can have on the human psyche. With that in mind all efforts, support, and strategies to facilitate individuals with mental health experiences returning to or retaining work, and accessing volunteering opportunities, are for some the moment their life is transformed and their mental health significantly impacted for the better, and in many cases for the long term.

So good supportive, meaningful and suitable work or volunteering placements are good for well-being. Getting back into work is and can be a vital part of a journey to recovery or more stable mental health. Reduced symptoms, financial independence, independence of self, empowerment and increased quality of life are all factors to promote the benefits of paid work and volunteering.

Step Forward Project

If this rings true for you or someone you know, our Step Forward Project could help. Follow the link if you’d like to find out more about our Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment programme, which provides tailored support for people in North Cumbria who are facing challenges from Severe Mental Health Experiences (SMHE).

Rounding off…

…It’s so important to reach out for support or find ways to help if you or someone you know is struggling, here are a few hints and tips that may help:

• Websites with resources that may help  – check out Bipolar UK or MIND
• How about keeping a mood diary? This is a simple, but effective way to keep track of how you’re doing and feeling. Importantly, it will help you identify regular triggers that you could share with others too.
• Most importantly, talk about it! This might feel daunting, but the more you talk, the more it helps you and those around you understand. Hopefully breaking down some of those barriers you may have, whether at work or home.