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World Bipolar Day- CALL TO ACTION

World Bipolar Day - an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder, the International Bipolar Foundation, and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders - will be celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder.

 The vision of World Bipolar Day is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of World Bipolar Day will be to educate the world population about bipolar disorders and help improve sensitivity toward the illness. 

Each of the organizations is encouraging their members, chapters and affiliates to orchestrate local events surrounding World Bipolar Day. Read more...

On Presidents’ Day, a school holiday, I awoke to an unscheduled day. I needed something to do with my daughter Marilla, so I decided to take her to the park. (My other little girl, Avonlea, headed for her best friend’s house.) The weather was clear and sunny, but my mind was stormy and gloomy. I wanted to hide in my bed, read a book, and not have to interact with anyone.  It was actually a promising sign of my recovery that I was able to leave the house, so off we went.The park was near...

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2014 Annual High School Essay Contest OPEN

The International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) is launching a global essay contest to erase stigma associated with mental illness through education. The contest is part of the foundation’s mission to address the impact of bipolar disorder and is open to all high school students. “Our hope”, says Walker, Chairman and Co-founder of IBPF, “is that students will be interested in winning the prize and thereby research stigma in order to write the essay. In so doing, we will be educating a lot of young people and hopefully changing their perception about mental illness”.

The First Place Winner will receive $500 and the Second Place Winner will receive $100. 

Students may choose one of the following topics:

  • How is mental health perceived and addressed in your community, both culturally and socially?
  • How can you support a friend or loved one who may be dealing with Bipolar Disorder?
  • How does media impact the stigma of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses?

Entries will be judged by a panel of authors who write about bipolar disorder and mental illness. The winner will be announced in May, which is Mental Health month. High school students throughout the world are invited to participate. Learn more...