World Bipolar Day happens once a year. This year, the event will be on March 30, 2019. Advocates picked that day because it also happens to be the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh. While he never received a mental diagnosis, modern therapists believe he probably had bipolar disorder.

What Is World Bipolar Day?

World Bipolar Day began as a joint initiative of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). The goal of the event is to remove stigmas about bipolar disorder and spread awareness. While many people know about this disorder, there are still many stereotypes that exist about it. Through World Bipolar Day, advocates want to erase these stigmas through education and awareness events. Communities can sponsor events and webinars about the occasion. Meanwhile, individuals can participate by spreading awareness on social media.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental disorder where energy levels, moods, and activity levels go through unusual shifts. These shifts can make it hard to do daily tasks and activities. These symptoms can be severe enough to make it impossible to live a normal life. While millions of people have this condition, they do not always get a diagnosis because of the stigma around the disease. The World Health Organization ranks bipolar disorder as the sixth most common cause of disability in the entire world. Through bipolar disorder treatment, individuals can get the care they need.

Getting Support for Mental Illnesses and Addictions

One of the problems with conditions like bipolar disorder is that they often fuel other problems as well. Someone may have bipolar disorder and drink to relax during a manic state. They might self-medicate with drugs like heroin or painkillers to calm down. Before long, self-medication can lead to an addiction and a substance abuse problem. Because of this connection, individuals need dual diagnosis treatment when they begin their recovery. To become sober, the patient needs a new coping mechanism for their mental disorder. Through Pennsylvania addiction recovery services, clients can get support for their addiction and co-occurring mental disorders.

Selecting the Right Treatment Program

World Bipolar Day is a chance to spread the word about bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and mental illnesses. This event is an opportunity to encourage loved ones to get the help they need. Through a treatment program, individuals can enjoy options such as:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family educational programs and family therapy
  • Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Addiction education
  • Aftercare programs
  • Intensive outpatient and outpatient programs
  • Partial hospitalization programs

You do not have to cope with the pain, stress, and suffering of an addiction on your own. If you or a loved one needs support with becoming sober, Steps to Recovery can help. Our addiction specialists provide an extensive pre-admissions process so that you get the exact treatments that you need. To learn more about how our addiction center can help you recover, call us today at 267.209.7312.