World Bipolar Day recognized annually to eliminate stigma, raise awareness, improve lives

Resources cited in this story are related to the concerns of the Healthy Boiler Program's behavioral health pillar.

An initiative by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) in conjunction with the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) and the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorders (ANBD), World Bipolar Day is acknowledged each year on March 30 in honor of Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday. Van Gogh was posthumously diagnosed as living with bipolar disorder.

About 5.7 million Americans ages 18 and older suffer from bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). An equal number of men and women develop bipolar disorder, and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. The goal of World Bipolar Day is to eliminate social stigmas, improve the lives of those with bipolar disorder and bring awareness to bipolar disorder across the world. 

What is bipolar disorder?

The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) defines bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, as mental illness characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels that affects an individual’s ability to perform their daily activities. It’s important to note that these shifts of energy and mood are more severe than the regular highs and lows of everyday life. Bipolar disorder is a long-term medical condition.

There are three types of bipolar disorder: 

• Bipolar I disorder: Defined by manic episodes, often lasting for more than one week. Depressive episodes may occur as well, although not everyone experiences these.
• Bipolar II disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes experienced with bipolar I disorder.
• Cyclothymia: Defined by several hypomanic episodes and periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years. These episodes are not as severe as those in bipolar I or II disorder but can have a serious impact on a life.  

Symptoms of bipolar disorders include:

Depression

• Agitation and irritability
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Low energy
• Poor concentration
• Social isolation
• Suicidal thoughts

Mania

• Tendency to be distracted easily
• Elevated mood
• Extreme irritability
• Inflated self-esteem
• Racing thoughts
• Rapid, unpredictable changes in mood

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) shares statistics on bipolar disorder.

If a person thinks they or someone they know may have bipolar disorder, IBPF’s Do I Have Bipolar? screening tool can be used to help determine if further treatment is needed.

Importance of World Bipolar Day

The goal of World Bipolar Day is to eliminate stigma and raise awareness about bipolar disorder to improve the lives of those living with bipolar disorder through awareness, education and conversation. There are many ways those living with bipolar disorder as well as allies can get involved on March 30 and throughout the year. See Medical News Today’s article “World Bipolar Day is March 30: How to get involved” for details.

Additionally, Mental Health America (MHA) shares 7 Reasons Why World Bipolar Day is Important. They include:  

• Its effect on all aspects of an individual’s life.
• It is different for everyone who lives with it.
• It is life-threatening, which makes support necessary.

Bipolar disorder resources

To access news articles, featured webinars, research updates and more, subscribe to IBF’s “My Support Newsletter” online or by texting “IBPF” to 22828.

A variety of additional resources on bipolar disorders are available, including:

• Bipolar Disorder – SupportLinc
• Bipolar Disorder 101: The Basics – ISBD
• Confronting Stigma in Bipolar Disorder – (video) IBPF
• Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder – healthline
• Patient and Family Guide to the CANMAT and ISBD Guidelines on the Management of Bipolar Disorder – ISBD
• Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Signs and Symptoms – ISBD

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The behavioral health pillar of Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support. The resources above and below align with that mission. 

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including SupportLinc and LiveHealth Online Psychology and Psychiatry, which are in place to assist with mental health issues, and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff, who work with students or have a student at home, can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous network of support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – a free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – interactive, self-help therapy app for students.