World Bipolar Day is March 30. Whether you live with or know someone who lives with this mental health condition, participating in the day’s special events can help contribute to greater acceptance.

World Bipolar Day is celebrated globally every year on March 30.

It was originally initiated by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) along with the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder and the International Bipolar Foundation. It aims to bring awareness to bipolar disorder, reduce social stigma, and promote acceptance.

March 30 was chosen as the date for World Bipolar Day because it’s Vincent van Gogh’s birthday. The famous painter is believed to have had bipolar disorder.

As more people learn about and understand bipolar disorder, it can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

In support of this goal, there are many ways you can celebrate World Bipolar Day — and the people who live with this condition.

Talking about mental health plays a big role in reducing the stigma around it. We’ve made great progress, but there’s still more work to do.

Talk often and openly about bipolar disorder and this day of awareness. You might:

  • Consider mentioning World Bipolar Day in your email signature.
  • Share information about bipolar disorder and World Bipolar Day on social media.
  • Talk with your family, friends, and co-workers about World Bipolar Day and why it matters.

The ribbon to raise awareness for bipolar disorder is black-and-white striped. This represents the episodes of depression and mania that can be part of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder might sometimes also be represented by a green ribbon. A green ribbon is an international ribbon in support of mental health awareness.

Wearing either ribbon can create space to talk about bipolar disorder.

Local mental health agencies may have ribbons available, or you can make your own.

At awareness events, you may be able to listen to talks given by people who live with bipolar disorder. You can find out more about awareness events on ISBD’s website or check with your local mental health organizations.

Attending events is a good way to learn more about bipolar disorder from people who live with the condition every day. It’s one thing to read about it and another to hear personal stories.

Encourage friends, family members, and co-workers to attend these events as well. What you hear and learn can foster discussion and learning.

Fundraisers

Get in touch with your local mental health associations. Some may be hosting fundraising events as part of World Bipolar Day. Contribute money or time if you’re able to.

If you can’t help out right now, don’t worry. Most organizations also have fundraisers throughout the year. While donations are always welcome, volunteers are often needed to support these initiatives.

If this is a cause that matters to you, consider helping to raise money any time of the year. A few ways to raise money for a good cause include:

  • garage sales
  • craft shows
  • bake sales

Some regions hold a walk or run event in support of bipolar disorder or mental health. This can be a fun family day, when you can get outside, celebrate, and raise money.

If there’s already a walk in your area, consider putting a team together for the event. If you’ve got extra time and energy, you might get even more involved by helping to organize the walk.

There are also plenty of jobs to do on the big day. Volunteers are always needed for tasks such as handing out gear to walkers or runners, helping out at a water station, and cleaning up after the event.

If you live with bipolar disorder, you may want to share your story with others — and World Bipolar Day could be an opportunity to do that. You may be able to find speaking events as part of World Bipolar Day that you can join.

If public speaking isn’t your thing, maybe you can write your story for a newsletter, magazine, or blog.

Remember that you can also share your story any other day of the year. You don’t need to wait for the awareness day to do so.

Support groups can be a wonderful way to connect with others. Each person’s experience is unique, but support groups provide reassurance that you’re not alone.

There can be great power in sharing your story and hearing different perspectives. Understanding how others are managing their condition can reveal tips that may work for you, too.

Support groups can be in person or online. Some areas might have support groups that meet locally to talk about living with bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions.

Some online support groups include:

If you are a caregiver for someone with bipolar disorder, consider joining these support groups:

Support for bipolar disorder is important all year, not just on World Bipolar Day. Consider subscribing to newsletters through your local mental health organization to keep updated on ongoing and upcoming events.

If you can’t find a local mental health organization, consider signing up for the International Bipolar Foundation’s monthly newsletter.

World Bipolar Day is celebrated on March 30 every year. It’s a chance to raise awareness about bipolar disorder.

There are things you can do to get more involved, such as:

  • Learn more about bipolar disorder and educate others.
  • Take part in a walk or other fundraising event.
  • Volunteer your time or donate money.

While participating in events on World Bipolar Day can help raise awareness and promote acceptance, you can also get involved year-round by joining activities and support groups organized by your local mental health organizations.