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.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subform of depression that usually occurs in the fall and winter months. When the sunlight is hard to come by, many people experience more depression symptoms and struggle with motivation or doing things that they usually enjoy. Seasonal depression can have similar symptoms to chronic depression and will make those struggling feel more fatigued, lonely, and distant.

Those struggling with any kind of depression can struggle to feel connected to family and friends, especially when their mental health is low. SAD is also known as the winter blues because many people struggle with the days getting shorter and colder. Our bodies feel more energized at certain times of the day because of the natural sunlight. When gloomy winter days take over, it can be hard to feel any motivation to function.

Signs Of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Each individual person will have different symptoms and experience seasonal depression in unique ways. There are some common depression symptoms that occur in the majority of patients. If you notice these signs in a loved one, encourage them to get help, or provide extra support to them during the winter months. 

Here are some common symptoms that accompany SAD:

• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawing from family
• Skipping out on activities they normally love
• Sleeping too much
• No sleeping enough
• Mood swings
• Lack of motivation

Light Therapy

One of the most common treatments for those who struggle with seasonal depression is to get a lightbox, dawn simulator, or other warm light to stimulate our wake cycle or help increase Vitamin D production. Exposure to artificial light can mimic the effects of sunlight and help boost your mood without too much hassle. Experts suggest you use the light box within the first hour after you wake up. 

Prioritize Social Interactions

When you are struggling with your mental health, it can be hard to want to interact with people or plan outings. It can be helpful for those who struggle with seasonal depression to spend time with their support system. SAD also can impact your connection with people and cause you to feel lonely, but prioritizing social support may help you focus on the better parts of your life. Isolation can have long-term effects on your psychological function. Staying connected and having a shoulder to lean on can be a great help while dealing with SAD. 

Talk To Your Doctor About Antidepressants 

Even if you only experience depression symptoms during the fall and winter, it can be a good option to seek the help of antidepressants. Antidepressants can help balance the chemicals in your brain and help limit the symptoms of depression. Medication can help make it easier for you to care for children, and perform work tasks, or other priorities. 

Take A Vacation

Taking some time off work or away from the stresses of life can help aid in your mental health. Even if you don’t have the budget to take an exotic vacation, take a staycation in your hometown, or take some time off work to spend time doing your favorite things. When you start to feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, taking a break is the best way to reset your mind. 

Don’t Neglect To Exercise

Exercise is important for physical health and mental health because of the endorphins it releases. Getting your blood pumping and elevating your heart rate can help clear your mind of worries and give you something to focus on. Certain exercises can help you feel more rejuvenated and limit fatigue. Running, resistance training, yoga, or swimming can help give you more energy. 

Take Additional Vitamin D

A vitamin D deficiency can worsen your depression symptoms and a deficiency has been found in most patients who have seasonal depression. Taking vitamin supplements can help improve how your body feels and how your mind functions. Getting more vitamin D from the sun or through supplements is a beneficial treatment for seasonal depression.

Therapy For Seasonal Depression

Experiencing depression symptoms, grief, or loneliness is normal, but when it is taking over your life, it may be time to seek help from a therapist. Talk therapy can help you develop coping strategies and validate your feelings while you are struggling. 
Our counselors at Red Willow can help you gain more perspective and improve your self-worth. Seasonal depression or any mental health issue is nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but will actually make you stronger for the future. If you want to experience a more positive life, reach out to our therapists today!