World Bipolar Day 2026

What is World Bipolar Day?

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 37 million people worldwide live with bipolar disorder. Despite this, it is very misunderstood. World Bipolar Day is on the 30th March 2026, and aims to improve understanding of what bipolar disorder is, and to reduce stigma around it.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes. People with bipolar disorder may have difficulties in maintaining relationships, face struggles in school or work, and face difficulties when carrying out daily activities. Additionally, people living with bipolar disorder may also be more susceptible to developing anxiety, substance addiction, and suicide.

There are two main mood states of bipolar disorder: high moods (hypomania or mania) and low moods

(depression). Hypomania refers to milder high moods, while mania is more severe.

There are two types of bipolar disorder, which depend on the frequency of manic or depressive episodes.

• Bipolar Type I disorder refers to having at least one manic episode, which could be before or after a major depressive episode or hypomania.

• Bipolar Type II disorder refers to having at least one hypomanic episode and at least one depressive episode, but no manic episodes.

Some symptoms of high moods with bipolar disorder include:

• Being very excited

• Being very aggressive

• Restlessness

• Being overly adventurous

• Being impulsive

• Having hallucinations or delusions

On the other hand, some symptoms of low moods include:

• Being uninterested in things you usually enjoy

• Sleeping problems

• Eating problems

• Low confidence

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm

These moods may last for a few days or several weeks at a time. People with bipolar disorder may have a stable mood with no symptoms for weeks, months, or years.

It is important to note that bipolar disorder is a serious medical condition, and not just regular mood swings.

Common Misconceptions of Bipolar Disorder:

While bipolar disorder is common worldwide. There are many misconceptions around bipolar disorder. Misconceptions can contribute to the stigma around bipolar disorder and discourage people living with bipolar disorder from seeking help. Thus, reducing stigma and clearing up misconceptions is essential to help people with bipolar disorder.

Myth 1: People with bipolar disorder are moody

• Bipolar disorder is a medically recognised disorder that consists of extreme changes in mood. This is different to the mood swings we all experience. The highs and lows of bipolar disorder are extreme, usually happen out of context, and last for extended periods of time. Clinicians would look for groups of symptoms to make a diagnosis – even being diagnosed with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder requires several days in a row of hypomania or mania.

Myth 2: Only adults can have bipolar disorder

• Children and teens can also get bipolar disorder; however, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, as it can appear alongside other mental disorders such as ADHD. Children and young people living with bipolar disorder are treated similarly to adults with bipolar disorder – usually with psychotherapy or medication.

Myth 3: People with bipolar disorder are violent and unpredictable

• While an untreated mental illness can cause a great deal of distress, this does not necessarily make them violent. While some with bipolar disorder may experience violent episodes, this is rare and usually linked to alcohol and substance abuse.

Myth 4: Mania is fun

• While people experiencing mania may feel energetic and happy, it is often a very disruptive experience. People with mania can end up losing sleep, becoming irritable, and their actions can become impulsive and unpredictable. This can lead to people with bipolar disorder taking part in risky behaviours that they wouldn’t normally do.

Myth 5: The mood changes happen in regular cycles

• Living with bipolar disorder can be very unpredictable. The low and high moods rarely happen in predictable cycles. While some may go through very long periods of depression, others may go through long periods of mania. Some may even go through both simultaneously. Cycles rarely occur predictably, and for some, symptoms may only appear a few times a year.

Treatment and Care for Bipolar Disorder:

Symptoms of bipolar disorder may recur. However, treatment is possible; a mix of medical and psychological interventions are used to treat bipolar disorder.

Mood stabilisers and antipsychotics can help manage acute mania. They may also be combined with antidepressants to manage episodes of depression. Even adults who have no symptoms need to continue taking medication for at least six months.

While medication is essential for recovery, it is not sufficient alone. Psychological interventions such as psycho-education, cognitive behavioural therapy, and interpersonal therapy can also be used to reduce symptoms of depression and the likelihood of them returning.

Supporting people with bipolar disorder is also invaluable in recovery. Support groups where people can receive encouragement, exchange stories, and learn coping strategies are available to support people with bipolar disorder and their families. Additionally, family psycho-education can help families better understand bipolar disorder and how to support their loved one. Psychosocial interventions such as supported employment, and social & life skill training can promote recovery by promoting hope and reducing social isolation.

Lifestyle factors such as exercise, a healthy diet, and managing and avoiding stress can also greatly benefit someone living with bipolar disorder.

How You Can Help:

Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder can feel difficult, but there are many ways you can offer support. Some of them include:

• Providing a listening ear by actively listening to them, asking open-ended questions, and avoiding minimising their problems.

• Understanding their triggers and warning signs, and discussing if you have noticed behaviours that often happen before an episode.

• Creating a plan for difficult times and helping them manage money and stick to a routine.

• Avoid being judgmental during a manic episode, and calmly discuss your feelings.

• During a depressive episode, keep checking in, and avoid taking things personally.

• If someone is experiencing hallucinations, support them with how they're feeling, instead of challenging or confirming their reality, letting them know that you understand that what they’re seeing or hearing feels real to them.

• Assist with breathing exercises or relaxation if they are experiencing hallucinations.

• Avoid making assumptions.

Final Thoughts

Living with bipolar disorder can be exhausting and distressing. However, by improving understanding of the condition and removing stigma around it, we can create a supportive environment for those living with bipolar disorder. While living with bipolar disorder is challenging, the right support and treatment can allow people living with bipolar disorder to live fulfilling and stable lives.