Today is World Bipolar Day. And honestly, I don’t really relate to it. I’ve never changed my profile picture to add a small ribbon, I’ve never used it as an opportunity to raise awareness, and I’ve never taken part in events around this day. Although I understand that it may be meaningful for some, I’ve always struggled to see the value of these awareness days.
Why I don’t relate to these days
Why? Because bipolar disorder is chronic, and it doesn’t stop on March 31 after this so-called world day. It doesn’t go on pause on March 30 either. Dedicating a single day to awareness is like giving the impression of taking action without extending it into everyday life. And forgetting the rest of the year.
No, for me, raising awareness is a daily effort. I know how to rest, but I also know when to speak up to defend my ideas and educate others on the subject.
My first “guinea pigs” were my family and my closest friends.
Today, it’s about finding the right balance in how much information I can share when the topic comes up in conversation, but I won’t miss an opportunity to play my little professor. Whether it’s breaking stereotypes or calling out the misuse of the word “bipolar.” And since it’s one of my special interests, you can imagine I take a lot of pleasure in it.
I absolutely don’t expect others who are affected to engage in this with the same level of intensity. Everyone’s struggles are different. The energy one can dedicate to raising awareness is also deeply personal. This is especially true for a mental disorder that exists in a context where support from others is not always present, and often forces people to keep it to themselves.
Raising awareness is not a day — it’s a process
I simply believe that those who have the means to do so should raise awareness within their capacity. For me, this has taken the form of this blog, and a book currently being read by publishing houses. But it has come at the cost of significant fatigue.
So I completely understand how World Bipolar Day can resonate with some people. I’ve seen events that highlight the disorder through the participation of doctors or professionals. However, I’ve never personally been moved by the intention. My approach has been shaped by my readings, my motivation, and my passion for the subject. To me, raising awareness is not posting a story once a year about a permanent condition.
Speaking, explaining, repeating
It means explaining, adding nuance, and repeating.
Again and again.
And speaking up, when we have the means.
Above all, it means listening to those affected. Too often forgotten.
Bipolar disorder doesn’t take a day off. And in a few days, it will be Autism Awareness Day.
And to be honest, I don’t even know what to say about it.
Because before talking about days dedicated to these two conditions, we could start by addressing diagnostic wandering.