The 30th of March marks an important day on the global calendar – World Bipolar Day (WBD). This initiative was born out of a council meeting of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) in 2013, at which Prof. Pichet Udomratn proposed a date to bring worldwide attention to bipolar disorder. The choice of March 30th is significant as it coincides with the birthday of the renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh, believed to have suffered from bipolar disorder.
World Bipolar Day has gained momentum since its inception in 2014, with organisations and individuals from over 38 countries participating in more than 136 documented events. The vision of WBD is clear: to eliminate social stigma and discrimination associated with bipolar disorder while fostering global awareness.
The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), the ANBD, and the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) have played crucial roles in the development of World Bipolar Day, but its continued success relies on the active participation of organisations and individuals worldwide.
World Bipolar Day celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024, and we - the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and our current President, Prof. Danuta Wasserman - are proud to announce our support of this great initiative. We encourage all member societies to join in the celebration of WBD 2024 by taking the opportunity to organise activities that not only raise awareness but also contribute to the broader goal of eliminating social stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.
For those interested in learning more about the history of World Bipolar Day, you can read more in the following presentation.
To register your activities and share event details, please visit: https://www.worldbipolarday.org/.
Your participation and cooperation will help make WBD 2024 a resounding success.
Let's unite on March 30th to shine a light on bipolar disorder, educate our communities, and work towards a world free from stigma and discrimination. Together, we can make a difference.
Author: WPA