World Bipolar Day is an annual event designed to raise bipolar disorder awareness. It takes place every March 30th. The event also seeks to raise awareness of the need for effective bipolar disorder treatment. This is crucial because untreated bipolar symptoms can seriously harm your overall mental health. Do you know a woman affected by bipolar disorder? Here are some things you can do to provide support on World Bipolar Day.
Increase Your Own Bipolar Disorder Awareness
It’s easier to support someone with bipolar disorder if you understand these conditions yourself. There are three well-defined bipolar illnesses:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder
There is also a separate, less-defined category of illness. It includes people who clearly have bipolar symptoms but don’t meet the full criteria for any specific condition.
Bipolar I disorder is probably the closest to the public perception of a bipolar illness. It combines episodes of major depression with episodes of full-blown mania. People with bipolar II disorder have similar symptoms but experience less severe forms of mania. People with cyclothymia experience low-grade mania and low-grade depression for extended periods of time.
Encourage Entry Into Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Significant numbers of people with bipolar disorder go undiagnosed, don’t receive proper treatment or both. If you think someone you love has a bipolar condition, you can encourage them to seek a diagnosis. You can also encourage someone who knows they have such a condition to enter a treatment program.
If you choose to do either of these things, proceed carefully. A poorly considered approach can do more harm than good. To increase your chances for positive results, experts recommend that you do things such as:
- Prepare yourself before bringing up the subject
- Choose a time and place that’s suitable for such a sensitive topic
- Speak from a place of compassion, not judgment
- Use honest language that reveals your genuine concern
- Keep the complexity of the situation in mind at all times
It’s also important to know that your overtures may not be well-received. Your friend or loved one may react with indifference or even hostility.
Provide Continued Help After Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition. It does not simply fade away when treatment ends. Instead, it continues to exert its effects long-term. This means that anyone who completes bipolar treatment must continue to receive ongoing support.
Mental health specialists and doctors play a primary role in any effective support plan. However, your own contributions may be crucial. Try and check in with your recovering friend or loved one on World Bipolar Day. Of course, the same level of concern is also needed at other times of the year.
Join World Bipolar Day Activities
The organizers of World Bipolar Day encourage involvement in their efforts. This involvement can take a number of forms. For example, you can share your experiences with bipolar illness on websites designated for this purpose. You can also help organize a local event, join a local support chapter, or even make a financial contribution.
Turn to Women’s Recovery for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Women’s Recovery supports the goals of World Bipolar Day. As part of our ongoing commitment, we provide high-quality services for women with bipolar conditions. Our specific expertise is in treating dual diagnosis. You are affected by dual diagnosis if you have substance problems as well as bipolar disorder. To recover, you need help that addresses both of these issues.
All dual diagnosis treatment at Women’s Recovery is fully customized. Your unique plan will help maximize your chances for an effective overall recovery. For more information on our services, call today at 833.754.0554. You can also reach us through our online form.
