Bipolar Awareness Day...

You may or may know from previous posts on my blog that I have Bipolar disorder.

What is it....

Bipolar – sometimes known as manic depression – is a severe mental health illness characterised by significant mood swings including manic highs and depressive lows. The majority of individuals with bipolar experience alternating episodes of mania and depression.

I thought I would write a post about it today because the 4th of October is Bipolar Awareness day. Bipolar is a very misunderstood and stigmatised illness. I ask you today if possible to take a moment to read this post or share it so that more people are aware and possibly more understanding of the facts surrounding the illness. 

Here are a few facts...

About 1 in every hundred adults is on the Bipolar spectrum with symptoms usually starting at around the ages of 15 to 19. Men and women are effected equally.

On average it takes 10.5 years for a correct diagnosis of Bipolar in the UK and an average of 3.5 misdiagnosis before that.

Bipolar affects every aspect of your life and relationships.

Treatment usually involves medication (typically mood stabilisers) that come with a huge list of side effects and psychological treatment- usually in the form of talking therapy.

When you are living with Bipolar self care is a very important part of managing the illness. This includes avoiding highly stressful situations, taking time out to relax, having a good sleeping pattern, and sticking to a routine. It is also important to have a good support system in place- be it doctors, family etc... 

I hope this post has been useful and maybe taught you a little about Bipolar disorder :) 

In aid of today Bipolar UK have launched a petition to demand greater funding for Bipolar research.

In the UK only 6% of health research funding goes to mental health with just 1.6% going to Bipolar research. It would mean a great deal if you could sign this petition and perhaps share it. Thank you!

Here are a few useful links...

Mind: Bipolar disorder
Rethink Mental Illness: Bipolar
Bipolar UK

More from my blog...

My Bipolar Story
Panic: Dealing with Anxiety

If you have any questions or would like to see more mental health posts on my blog please let me know.