In the giant mosaic of the human experience where every mind is a universe unto itself, there exist days which commemorate the significance of managing and overcoming tribulations that challenge the psyche in ways deviant from the normal. One of those days is celebrated on the 30th of March every year worldwide as World Bipolar Day: a day dedicated to spreading awareness and kickstarting novel initiatives towards understanding and managing the mental disorder in a more humanistic and holistically effective manner. This global observance invites individuals for a glimpse into the journey through the variously unique and complex landscapes of bipolar disorder, fostering empathy, companionship, and empowerment along its path.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 46 million individuals across the globe have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as per 2018 statistics, making it one of the leading causes of disability globally. To advance awareness of the disorder due to severe stereotyping and alarming rates of misdiagnosis, the International Society of Bipolar Disorder (ISBD) recognised 30th March as World Bipolar Day, duly paying homage to the globally loved artist Vincent Van Gogh: March 30th being Van Gogh’s birthday. The theme for this year’s World Bipolar Day is ‘Bipolar Strong’, marking a strive to empower those who have been diagnosed with the disorder.
To give you, dear reader, an immersive journey into the science of this disorder, I invite you to activate your visualization abilities. Imagine stepping into a virtual gallery, where each exhibit offers a peek into the multifaceted medley of bipolar disorder. Here, visitors are not just mere spectators, but active participants in a journey full of discovery and learning.
The first stop on this journey is the interactive exploration of the ‘Symptom Spectrum’. Here, visitors encounter a dynamic visualization of bipolar disorder, illustrating its multifaceted nature beyond the simplistic labels of "mania" and "depression." According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder encompasses distinct mood episodes, including manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, each with its unique symptoms and challenges. There are also variations in the frequency of these fluctuations depending on a number of factors, such as gender, past trauma, level of support, genetic and biological factors, etc.
Next, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the "Artistic Alchemy" exhibit, where the creative genius of individuals with bipolar disorder takes centre stage. Research has shown that there is a heightened prevalence of bipolar disorder among artists, writers, and musicians. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with bipolar disorder are overrepresented in creative professions compared to the general population.
But World Bipolar Day isn't just about introspection—it's about connection. In the "Community Canvas" exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to contribute their own stories, artwork, and words of encouragement, transforming the virtual space into a living tapestry of shared experience and solidarity.
As visitors meander through the virtual gallery, they encounter interactive workshops and discussions led by mental health professionals, advocates, and individuals living with bipolar disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), psychoeducation and support groups play a crucial role in empowering individuals with bipolar disorder to manage their condition effectively.
But perhaps the most transformative aspect of World Bipolar Day is the ripple effect it creates beyond the confines of the virtual gallery. Armed with newfound understanding and empathy, participants emerge as ambassadors for change in their communities, challenging stigma, advocating for better mental health resources, and fostering environments of acceptance and support.
As the virtual gallery closes its doors at the end of World Bipolar Day, its impact resonates far beyond the confines of the digital realm. In classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms around the world, conversations continue, barriers are shattered, and the vibrant spectrum of human experience shines ever brighter. The challenges faced by those who are diagnosed vary in intensity and frequency, depending on trends. Lately, the glorification and misinformation spread about the disorder through social media has shone a light on a dimension of malignancy that the eras up till now have never seen or experienced before.
In this giant mosaic of the human experience, every hue and shade contributes to the exquisite amalgam of existence. This World Bipolar Day, and every day from henceforth, let us join forces as integral elements of our community, and become active participants in a movement that understands, supports, and advocates for the accurate identification of the disorder and for the uplifting of individuals who struggle to live with the disorder while embracing the complexities and colours that defines us all.
References:-
Bipolar disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
Kyaga, S., Lichtenstein, P., Boman, M., Hultman, C. M., Långström, N., & Landén, M. (2011). Creativity and mental disorder: Family study of 300 000 people with severe mental disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(5), 373–379. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.085316
Team, S., Team, S., & SingleCare. (2024, January 24). Bipolar disorder statistics 2024. The Checkup. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/bipolar-disorder-statistics/#:~:text=46%20million%20people%20around%20the,See%20more%20bipolar%20statistics%20here.
World Bipolar Day - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2024, March 25). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/bipolar-disorder/world-bipolar-day/
Comments