World Bipolar Day

Raising awareness, breaking stigma, and showing up for Our Community 

Every year on 30 March, we mark World Bipolar Day—a day to raise awareness, increase understanding, and show support for the millions of people around the world, including here in Australia, living with bipolar disorder.

This date was chosen to honour the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who is believed to have experienced bipolar symptoms during his life. While Van Gogh’s art changed the world, his mental health struggles were poorly understood at the time, as they were for so many. Today, we have a much better understanding of bipolar disorder, but stigma, confusion and silence still surround it.

So today is about opening up the conversation. It’s about challenging outdated ideas, learning from lived experiences, and standing together with the people in our communities who are living with bipolar disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy levels and ability to function day to day. It involves episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania (a milder form of mania), with some people experiencing long periods of stability in between.

During a depressive episode, someone might feel extremely low, flat or hopeless. During a manic episode, they may feel very energetic, euphoric or irritable, often with racing thoughts and poor sleep. These shifts aren’t just everyday ups and downs- they can be intense, disruptive, and exhausting. 

There are a few different types of bipolar disorder, and everyone’s experience is different. But one thing is consistent: it is manageable with the right support.

Let’s Bust a Few Myths

Despite how common bipolar disorder is, there are still a lot of misunderstandings out there. Here are a few that need correcting:

“People with bipolar disorder are unstable or dangerous.”

This is one of the most harmful stereotypes and it’s simply not true. With treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder lead full, connected, and productive lives.

“Bipolar is just mood swings.”

It’s much more than that. Mood changes in bipolar disorder are extreme and can last for days or weeks, often affecting sleep, thinking, relationships, and decision-making. 

“You can always tell when someone is Bipolar.”

Not at all. Many people live with bipolar disorder without anyone realising, especially during periods of stability.

“Medication is the only answer.”

While medication can play a big role in managing symptoms, many people also benefit from therapy, routines, recovery coaching, and having the right supports in place.

So, how common is Bipolar Disorder?

Globally, more than 46 million people are estimated to live with bipolar disorder. In Australia, it affects around 1.8% of the population, that’s roughly one in every 50 people. If you think about your friends, your family, your workplace—that’s a lot of lives touched by this condition.

It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background or income. And while it often shows up in late teens or early adulthood, it can also appear later in life.

Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood, which can delay access to the right kind of care. That’s why awareness days like this are so important.

What can we do as a Community?

One of the biggest challenges for people living with bipolar disorder is stigma. The shame or fear of being judged can stop people from seeking help early, sticking with treatment, or opening up to those around them.

So how do we help? We start by listening, learning, and showing up. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to support change:

1. Educate Yourself (and Others)

Even just reading this article is a great start. The more we understand the realities of bipolar disorder, the more we can break down fear and replace it with empathy.

2. Use respectful language

How we speak matters. Avoid labels like “crazy” or “psycho”—these words hurt. Instead, talk about people living with bipolar disorder, not defined by it.

3. Challenge stigma when you see (or hear) it

Whether it’s a throwaway comment on social media or a joke at the pub, speak up. Kindness and awareness can shift the culture, one conversation at a time.

4. Encourage support

If someone you know might be struggling, gently encourage them to talk to their GP or a mental health professional. You don’t need to have all the answers, just being there makes a difference.

How we support people living with Bipolar Disorder

At our agency, we’re proud to walk alongside people living with bipolar disorder every day. Whether it’s through support workers helping with day-to-day routines, counsellors providing a safe space to talk, recovery coaches helping navigate the ups and downs, or support coordinators connecting people with the right services, we’re here to help build a life that feels safe, supported and meaningful.

We know that no two people’s experiences are the same. That’s why we tailor our support to what each person wants and needs—because everyone deserves care that fits them, not the other way around.

A final word

World Bipolar Day isn’t just about facts and figures. It’s about real people. It’s about showing compassion, creating connection, and doing better- for the people in our lives, for our community, and for ourselves.

If you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, please know you’re not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there is a community ready to support you.

If you’d like to chat with someone about how we can support you or someone you care about, get in touch. We’re here and we’re listening.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author and publisher make no guarantees or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this article, and any reliance on the information is strictly at your own risk. You can find our full Disclaimer here.