Bipolar Disorder Daily News Blog

Bipolar Awareness Campaign: Mania vs. Depression

October 5th 2006 was this years Bipolar Awareness Day, as part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) annual Mental Illness Awareness Week. This included; events, movie viewings, donations, free mental health screenings, as well as posters promoting awareness of mental illnesses, all in hopes of educating and reducing stigma.

"The public's understanding of bipolar disorder remains unacceptably low, yet with proper diagnosis and treatment, people with bipolar disorder can and do reclaim their lives," said Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, MD, President, NAMI National Board of Directors. "Given the fact that the consequences of lack of treatment are very serious, it is very important for everyone to know that treatment is available and it works."

This year encourages the understanding of mania vs. depression, “Bipolar Opposites: Understanding the Balance Between Mania and Depression”. Because depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, many can related to the damaging effects it can have on those affected. But mania is much less understood, and many people believe it isn’t as destructive as the depressive states.

"If left untreated, people experiencing either 'pole' of bipolar disorder are at great risk for suicide, relational stress, incarceration, substance abuse, job loss, or other harmful consequences," said Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI medical director and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "During an episode of mania, a person may have increased mental and physical energy and exaggerated feelings of optimism or self-confidence; however, they may also exhibit reckless behavior such as embarking on spending sprees, sexual indiscretions or alcohol abuse."

Although the specified time for Mental Illness Awareness week has passed, NAMI still provides information and resources on their site. You can find downloadable posters, fact sheets, and stickers, disorder information and resources in your area by clicking HERE. NAMI also provides information on future conferences HERE

Read Full Article:

"2006 Bipolar Disorder Awareness Campaign Encourages Public to Understand the Balance Between Mania and Depression" Drug News Wire Oct 9th 2006

For More Info:

NAMI.org

NAMI's Mental Illness Awareness Week

"Bipolar Awareness Day" Psych Central