Every year on 30 March, World Bipolar Awareness Day invites us to challenge stigma, increase understanding, and amplify real experiences of bipolar disorder. Yet despite growing awareness, myths still shape how people think, talk, and respond to this condition. Bipolar disorder is complex, varied, and often misunderstood. In the UK alone, around 1.3 million people are living with bipolar- that’s roughly 1 in 50 people. This bipolar awareness day, Action Mental Health is inviting you to take a few minutes to separate fact from fiction.

While everyone experiences changes in mood, bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes that can last weeks or longer and significantly impact daily life, work, and relationships.

• Mania (more common in Bipolar I) can include high energy, reduced need for sleep, impulsivity, or feelings of grandiosity.
• Hypomania (seen in Bipolar II) is less intense but still noticeable and impactful.
• Depressive episodes often involve low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest.
  
  

These are not fleeting mood changes- they are serious clinical symptoms.

The primary types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I – involves at least one manic episode
• Bipolar II – involves hypomania and depression (often misdiagnosed as depression alone)
• Cyclothymia – ongoing mood instability with milder highs and lows

   Research suggests that up to 5% of people may fall somewhere on the bipolar spectrum. This diversity means experiences vary widely- and support should too.

With the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can experience long stretches of stable mood (euthymia) and live full, meaningful lives. However, access to support is still a challenge. In England, around 40% of people with bipolar did not receive mental health care in the past year.

• Around 1.7% of adults in England have experienced bipolar disorder.
• About 1 in 50 people in the UK are living with it.
• Rates are higher in younger people, with 3.4% of 16–24-year-olds screening positive.

Despite this, awareness and understanding still lag behind other mental health conditions.

Employment, relationships, creativity, and stability are all possible. In fact, supportive environments and reasonable adjustments can improve recovery and quality of life . However, stigma and lack of understanding in workplaces remain barriers.

If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, you are not alone and help is available!

Reach out to your GP: When you talk to your GP about your mental health they'll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you. These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital.

Lifeline: Lifeline is a free 24/7 crisis response helpline service for those experiencing distress or despair. Lifeline is there to help 24 hours a day and can be contacted on: 0808 808 8000

Bipolar UK: Bipolar UK is a national mental health charity that support individuals, families and carers who are affected by bipolar disorder. Their services include peer led support services, a peer support line, self-management courses and resources. Website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/ 

Aware NI: Aware NI offers online and face-to-face support groups to those living with bipolar, depression or anxiety. They also offer an email support service to provide support, information and signposting. Website: https://aware-ni.org/