World Bipolar Day: Raising Awareness and Eliminating Mental Health Stigma
- 30 Mar 2026 10:50 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Every March 30 is observed as World Bipolar Day, serving as an important moment to increase global awareness of mental health disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. This commemoration also aims at eliminating the stigma that still strongly persists in society toward individuals living with mental health conditions.
World Bipolar Day coincides with the birthday of renowned painter Vincent van Gogh, who is believed to have experienced bipolar disorder throughout his life. His legacy stands as a symbol that individuals with mental health conditions are still capable of creating remarkable works and making significant contributions to the world.
The day was initiated by global mental health organizations such as the International Bipolar Foundation and the World Health Organization, which actively campaign for greater awareness of bipolar disorder. Through this observance, the public is encouraged to better understand the condition and show empathy toward those living with it.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme and recurring mood changes over certain periods. These changes include manic episodes marked by heightened energy and euphoria, as well as depressive episodes marked by deep sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities.
In many cases, symptoms of bipolar disorder are often unrecognized or even considered as normal mood swings that do not require special attention. In fact, without proper and continuous treatment, this condition can have serious impacts on daily functioning, social relationships, and overall quality of life.
According to data from the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 200 people worldwide, or equivalent to tens of millions of individuals, live with bipolar disorder. However, many still face misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and limited access to healthcare services, especially in developing countries.
In Indonesia, public awareness of the importance of mental health has been steadily increasing in recent years, although stigma toward people with bipolar disorder remains a challenge that must be addressed collectively. Therefore, the observance of World Bipolar Day is expected to serve as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, as well as the importance of social support in helping individuals lead better lives.
News Recomendation
Memuat berita terbaru.....