World Bipolar Day – raising awareness of a severe mental illness

THURSDAY March 30 is World Bipolar Day – when those living with the illness, as well as the health experts and charities who help them cope, raise awareness of the condition.
Bipolar, sometimes known as manic depression, is a severe mental illness characterised by significant mood swings including manic highs and depressive lows.
Everyone experiences changes in mood but when you have bipolar, the symptoms are severe, affecting all areas of life.
Bipolar UK was chosen last year by the then Mayor of Warrington, Geoff Settle, as one of his charities.
The former Mayor said: “As someone who suffers from the illness I offered to set up a Warrington Bipolar Support Group – the nearest at the time was 20 miles away.
“Given that between one and two per cent of the population experience a lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder means that potentially at least 2,000 suffers who live in our town.  Recent research
suggests as many as five per cent of the population are on the bipolar spectrum”.
Last year, Mr Settle set up a table where his group could raise awareness with shoppers.
Mr Settle said “I was surprised during the day by the interest from people and their stories about the impact of the illness on them, their family and friends. It was evident that there was a need for a support group in Warrington.
“On average, it takes 10.5 years to receive a correct diagnosis for bipolar in the UK and before bipolar is diagnosed there is a misdiagnosis an average of 3.5 times. Compared to other health problems, treatment of bipolar is still badly affected by misunderstanding and stigma.
“Bipolar affects every aspect of your life and your relationships.  family and friends can all be put under stress.  This is why you need to get a correct diagnosis, accept treatment and start to learn how you can adapt your lifestyle to cope with the ups and downs”.
The Warrington Bipolar Support Group meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Gateway Centre at 7pm. The group is open to people suffering from the illness as well as family members and carers. There is no charge and the meetings are informal, giving everyone the opportunity to share their experiences, if they want to. Whatever is discussed remains confidential.
Further information can be found on the Bipolar UK web site  https://www.bipolaruk.org  or call Support Services on 0333 323 3880.