World Bipolar Day is recognised annually on the 30th of March to raise awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder and to eliminate social stigma around mental illness.
Bipolar disorder can be a life-long mental health challenge, bringing with it episodes of both mania and depression for those affected. The symptoms can be severe and can impact on work, school and relationships.
But what may be most difficult for those living with bipolar disorder is the extended time that it can take to be diagnosed. Commonly, an individual needs to experience an episode of mania before a correct diagnosis can occur.
World Bipolar Day provides us with an opportunity to learn and understand more about this debilitating condition, and around mental illness generally.
Arguably, we still have a way to go in eliminating the stigma that sits around mental health and in improving ‘mental health literacy’ in this country.
In fact, all of us need to better understand our own psychological health, particularly around negative thinking and negative feelings. We do need to be more comfortable talking about it, as well as being better able to recognise and help others who may be struggling.
Knowing how to approach someone (who may be showing signs of mental illness, distress or psychological injury) to best engage them, to gain their confidence and get a safe conversation going are lifelong skills that we can benefit all of us.
A Mental Health First Aid course facilitated by ADA Australia can assist in improving awareness of mental illness and of the signs and behaviours indicating a person might need support. It can also help your workplace better protect psychological health by promoting a supportive culture and help-seeking behaviours.
Talk to us to book this important training for your people.
If you’d like to learn more about World Bipolar Day, please visit https://www.worldbipolarday.org/
And if you would like to know more about the Standard Mental Health First Aid course, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429, or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au