Zoe Lazaridis, Psychologist, Clinical Registrar, Northern Centre for Child Development
Every year on the 30th of March, we recognise World Bipolar Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.
Interestingly, the date wasn’t chosen at random; it’s Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday!! Back in Van Gogh’s time, there wasn’t a formal diagnosis for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, but looking back, many believe he may have met criteria.
World Bipolar Day holds a powerful purpose — to help people better understand bipolar disorder and support those who live with it. It’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and reminding those who are struggling that they’re not alone.
By raising awareness, we can:
· Encourage kindness and understanding.
· Help people recognise the signs early.
· Push for better resources and treatment options
As part of World Bipolar Day, we wanted to share helpful information about bipolar disorder — what it is, how treatment can help, and where to find useful resources and websites.
Definition: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that brings intense shifts in mood, energy, and behaviour. These changes can happen in cycles, which may include:
· Manic or hypomanic episodes — Times when a person feels unusually energetic, excitable, or impulsive. Manic episodes can be intense, sometimes leading to risky decisions or poor judgment, while hypomanic episodes are less severe but still noticeable.
· Depressive episodes — Periods of feeling very low, sad, or hopeless, which can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and impact motivation.
Understanding these cycles is key to recognising and supporting those living with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, though it can also affect children. It’s more common than many realise, impacting around 40 million people worldwide — and it can have a big effect on relationships, school, and work.
Learning Helps
Understanding bipolar disorder is one of the most powerful ways we can support those affected by it.
Research shows that effective treatment is built on three key factors:
- Early diagnosis — Identifying the signs early makes it easier for people to access the right support.
- Sticking with treatment — Following a treatment plan consistently improves long-term stability.
- Personalised care — Tailored approaches that meet individual needs lead to better outcomes. (Vedanarayanan et al., 2019)
Bipolar disorder can be hard to understand, and many people go through life not knowing they have it or where to turn for help. This can leave them feeling overwhelmed, confused, and/or feeling very alone.
But with the right support, individuals with bipolar disorder can build strong relationships, achieve their goals, and find stability in their lives.
By learning about bipolar disorder, we can break down stigma, encourage compassion, and provide better support to those living with it.
So, thank you for reading this far and helping to spread awareness this World Bipolar Day.
For those who want to know more…here are some really great resources available online.
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/bipolar
Zoe Lazaridis is a dedicated and highly skilled psychologist with a strong background in clinical psychology. She holds a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and a Master of Psychology (Professional).
Zoe’s passion for psychology began during her undergraduate years, where she completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at La Trobe University. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her clinical experience, where she has worked with diverse populations, including children with autism and individuals seeking mental health support.
Zoe’s research expertise includes conducting systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. She is also an experienced workshop facilitator, helping high school students build resilience and enhance their well-being. With a strong ethical foundation and a commitment to evidence-based practice, Zoe is a valuable asset to the field of psychology.