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World Bipolar Day is observed every March 30, coinciding with the birthday of artist Vincent van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This day aims to educate and promote understanding of bipolar disorder through international collaborative efforts. Join the global movement to reduce stigma, advocate for support, and share accurate information.
Want to sponsor World Bipolar Day? Learn how
Expected World Bipolar Day Deals
As a Cause holiday, World Bipolar Day focuses on awareness and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) lead campaigns, often partnering with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs. Pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson, involved in mental health research, may also highlight their support for patient advocacy groups. Look for mental health apps like Headspace to offer special promotions on mindfulness resources. We encourage you to visit the official websites of leading mental health organizations to find ways to contribute directly to research and support services.
Platform Guide for World Bipolar Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldBipolarDay. Share stories of resilience, educational infographics, or ways to support mental health initiatives.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldBipolarDay. Join conversations, share resources, and retweet messages from mental health advocates and organizations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldBipolarDay. Share personal stories, host virtual discussions, or promote local support groups and events.
World Bipolar Day Hero
Vincent van Gogh
History of World Bipolar Day
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).
Bipolar disorder isn’t a modern issue, and its diagnosis dates back to ancient Greece. The earliest mention of the mental disorder can be found in the medical literature of the physician Hippocrates, who has often been referred to as “the father of medicine.” He documented his findings on two polar opposite moods — what is known now as depression and mania.
The modern conceptual understanding of bipolar disorder occurred in the 19th century.
Independent descriptions of bipolar disorder were presented to the Académie de Médecine in Paris in 1854 by French neurologist Jules Baillarger and French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret. The term ‘bipolar disorder’ had not been coined yet, so Baillarger referred to the illness as ‘folie à double forme,’ meaning dual-form insanity, and Falret called it ‘folie circulaire,’ meaning circular insanity.
In 1999, the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) was founded, and has since been researching bipolar disorders and helping people who are suffering from it. Bipolar disorders are more common than we think. Extreme mood swings go unnoticed or are dismissed as temperamental issues, while the inflicted person is actually going through waves of mania or depression. People with this mental illness lead disrupted lives, as the disorder impacts one’s ability to function. Fortunately, medication and extensive counseling can help with the treatment.
Living with bipolar disorder is not easy but, in the words of Van Gogh himself, “The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else, but keep heart, it will turn out all right.”
World Bipolar Day timeline
Aretaeus of Cappadocia begins medically linking mania and depression.
Robert Burton publishes “The Anatomy of Melancholy,” addressing the treatment of melancholy using music and dance.
French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret publishes an article describing ‘la folie circulaire,’ meaning ‘circular insanity.’
“bp Magazine” becomes the pioneering source of inspiration and information for people living with bipolar disorder, and their loved ones.
How Businesses Can Celebrate World Bipolar Day
Local businesses can observe World Bipolar Day by fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. Consider hosting a virtual or in-person workshop on mental health awareness, providing resources for employee support programs, or partnering with a local mental health charity for a donation drive. Restaurants and cafes could offer a special ‘awareness’ item with a portion of proceeds benefiting a bipolar disorder foundation, while retail stores might display educational materials to help reduce stigma.
World Bipolar Day FAQs
When is World Bipolar Day?
In 2027, World Bipolar Day falls on Tuesday, March 30. It’s a crucial day for international collaboration to educate the public about this complex mood disorder.
How many people are affected by bipolar disorder?
Globally, an estimated 45 million people live with bipolar disorder, making it a significant mental health challenge that impacts individuals and families across all demographics.
What is the purpose of World Bipolar Day?
World Bipolar Day strives to provide accurate information about bipolar disorder, advocating for better treatment, support, and resources for those affected by the illness.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders also exist, covering cases that don’t fit the main categories but still involve significant mood dysregulation. Diagnosis requires a professional assessment.
How To Observe World Bipolar Day
Help a friend
It is possible that a friend or loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder. Pay attention to anyone showing extreme mood swings and get them to seek a professional opinion.
Talk about it
Talk openly and honestly about bipolar disorder. There is no shame in it! Share your experiences and get involved on World Bipolar Day.
Wear a ribbon
The green ribbon is used to represent the disorder. Wear a green ribbon today to show your solidarity.
5 Facts About Bipolar Disorder That You Didn’t Know
It affects every aspect of life
Bipolar disorder is crippling and impedes success in every domain of life — work, relationships, and even day-to-day tasks like showering or sleeping, etc.
Bipolar disorder comes with other ailments
Bipolar disorder crosses the boundary of just causing mental problems — it affects a person physically as well in the form of spasms, migraines, and metabolic disorders.
It is different for everyone
Just like fingerprints, no two bipolar disorders are the exact same — diagnosis varies significantly, which makes characterizing the illness and prescribing treatment for it even more difficult.
Celebrities suffer from it, too
Demi Lovato, Mary Lambert, Kanye West, and Richard Dreyfuss are some high-profile celebrities who are combating bipolar disorder.
The cause can be anything
A research team from the University of Michigan conducted a study on bipolar disorder that spanned two decades and found that bipolar disorder cannot be given a single root cause, as it is mostly the result of a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Why World Bipolar Day Is Important
Support is vital
One in five people living with bipolar disorder end up harming themselves or ending their lives. On World Bipolar Day we extend support to these people in dealing with the challenges of this condition, and give them hope for a better tomorrow.
Timely diagnosis is crucial
As common as it is, many people don’t realize they are suffering from bipolar disorder. Learning about the disease and diagnosing it timeously can prevent it from becoming severe.
They are not alone
World Bipolar Day gives those living with this illness an opportunity to connect with others with the same symptoms, and get access to resources and treatment options that can improve their lives.
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