There are many ways to advocate for people living with bipolar disorder.
Volunteer with an organization focused on actively helping those with bipolar disorder or their families.
Make a donation to an organization or a program that supports bipolar disorder education, research, advocacy and/or communities. The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research, for instance, uses your donations to financially back research into exploring the link between bipolar disorder and creativity.
Our own advocacy includes:
- Music Benefit Concerts
- Beautiful Minds Lecture Series
- Treatment in Tune Guitar Donation Drive
Educate yourself and others about the condition and ways to manage it. [Link takes you to the ‘Resources’ section]
Help someone living with bipolar disorder to tide over a crisis or manage their symptoms better. [Link to infographic ‘Mental health crisis or management - Who to turn to for help’.]
Ask an employer or business to sponsor a program that spotlights the condition and benefits those affected by it.
Post and share stories, articles, news and information about bipolar disorder and those affected by the condition online and especially via social media. [Link to The Fund’s Facebook page.]
You can even join a bipolar disorder research study or clinical trial—or encourage someone who lives with the condition to sign up—as a volunteer participant.
Remember . . . just being there, listening empathically, being useful, or representing their interests can itself be a great way to advocate for someone affected by bipolar disorder.