“The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else, but keep heart, it will turn out all right.” - Vincent van Gogh. World Bipolar Day is an initiative by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) who partnered with the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) and the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorders (ANBD). World Bipolar Day is observed on March 30 every year, on the birthday of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh - the inspiration for the quote used.
Looking Glass Counseling is alway striving to normalize the mental health experience. I hope this post will foster our values of inclusion and connection; inclusion by pointing out that many experience Bipolar Disorder and connection by reminding us to connect with one another in order to learn and normalize bipolar experiences. Knowing that Bipolar Disorder can manifest in many ways, individuals who experience Bipolar Disorder commonly have intense mood swings. These swings can go from feeling deeply depressed to highly manic/energized. They can feel out of control lasting from several days to weeks at a time.
According to Singlecare.com, here are a few statistics about the prominence of Bipolar Disorder:
Globally, 46 million people around the world have bipolar disorder. (Our World in Data, 2018)
Annually, an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults have a bipolar disorder diagnosis. (Harvard Medical School, 2007)
The past year, the prevalence of bipolar disorder is similar in females and males (2.8% and 2.9%, respectively). (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017)
Know that if you experience Bipolar Disorder, you are not alone. It can be identified among people you know, celebrities you watch and listen to and even people you pass by on a daily basis. Regardless of how intense bipolar experiences are for you or your person, know that Looking Glass Counseling desires to see and support you as well as desires to magnify this topic through those who see and share this post with others. For more information about World Bipolar Day, click here.
Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.
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