Over 60 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. World Bipolar Day is celebrated on March 30th to help raise awareness, provide resources, and help those who struggle with bipolar feel less alone.
In this blog, we will discuss how you can raise more awareness around mental health on World Bipolar Day as well as how Bipolar differs from other mental illnesses. No matter what mental illness you are dealing with, you are valid and can receive help. Red Willow Counseling and Recovery wants to destigmatize all mental illnesses and share educational resources for all.
Raising Awareness About Bipolar Disorder And Other Mental Illnesses
The biggest reason to have mental health awareness days, months, or events is to help reduce the stigma around talking about mental illnesses or those struggling with mental health. Although the stigma has been significantly reduced in recent years, talking about mental health can still be seen as taboo. World Bipolar Day can be a great time to share your experience with Bipolar Disorder or help raise awareness for those who are close to you.
Focus On Artistic Expression On March 30th
Many people who deal with mental illness use art to help express their feelings. Art can be a healthy outlet for tough emotions or trauma. Not all people who have Bipolar Disorder will use art to help manage their symptoms, but taking some time on March 30th to create a piece of art can be a good way to celebrate. Try using items you find around your home or in nature or create an art piece representing an emotion you are experiencing.
Share Mental Health Resources On Social Media
Bipolar Disorders should often not be handled alone. Mood swings and racing thoughts can put some people in danger of harming themselves or others. Sharing the proper resources with those who may need them, could save a life or drastically improve their daily life.
Therapy is often a great resource for those with Bipolar disorder. Individual therapy can help a person develop coping skills that help manage their manic episodes.
Before sharing information on social media, it is important to vet the resources. Share scholarly articles, and organization links, and not posts that contain judgments or myths around mental health. Some links and resources you can share include:
- Bipolar Disorder 101: The Basics
- Patient and Family Guide to the CANMAT and ISBD Guidelines on the Management of Bipolar Disorder
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
- ISBD Webinars
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Local therapy resources
Wear A Bipolar Disorder Ribbon On March 30th
The ribbon for Bipolar Disorder contains black and white stripes and can be worn on World Bipolar Day to strike up a conversation and create solidarity. Wearing a green ribbon also represents mental health awareness, so either ribbon is appropriate to wear on March 30th.
Participate In An Awareness And Fundraiser Walk
Finding a fundraiser that contributes to Bipolar Disorder research or treatment methods is a great way to contribute to World Bipolar Day. An awareness walk or run can be a great way to help improve your health while contributing to a good cause. These walks typically raise money by offering t-shirts, pins, ribbons, and other goods for participants to buy. The more participants that take part in the walk, the more awareness and word of mouth will be generated.
Promote Mindfulness Activities
Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to provide benefits for those who struggle with mental health as well as others who experience high stress. Sharing mindfulness resources or a guided meditation on World Bipolar Day can be helpful and a way for you to celebrate emotions.
One of the things that sets Bipolar Disorder apart from other mental illnesses are the highs and lows of mania and depression. Practicing grounding activities can be helpful for some Bipolar individuals. Learning that all emotions have a purpose can be very healing, especially when learned through meditation and mindfulness.
Therapy For Bipolar Disorder From Red Willow
Each Bipolar individual will still have unique needs and challenges. When searching for a therapist, you should find one that is willing to adapt and learn about you. Our therapists at Red Willow help to develop a unique treatment plan that works best for you. We understand that being vulnerable in therapy can be difficult, so giving grace and having patience is important to everyone on our team. No matter what your challenge is, our trained professionals are here to help! Contact Red Willow Counseling and Recovery or head to our website to learn more about each of our therapists before getting started.
