Bipolar is a severe mental illness characterised by significant and sometimes extreme changes in mood and energy, which go far beyond most people’s experiences of feeling a bit down or happy.

Bipolar affects around 1.3 million people in the UK—that’s 1 in 50 individuals—yet 56% of those with the condition remain undiagnosed. On average, it takes 9.5 years for someone to receive an accurate diagnosis, often leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Research shows that people with bipolar are at greater risk of physical health problems and have a 10-15 year shorter life expectancy due to associated conditions.

For Emma Jayne, a Belfast mum of four and passionate mental health advocate, her diagnosis in 2005 came after a traumatic experience.

“I was in my early 20s, had just graduated from Queen’s University, and suddenly I couldn’t sleep. I was manic but had no insight into what was happening. My brother took me to the hospital on the back of his motorbike, and I was blessing people on the road because I thought I had magical powers. I was actually very unwell and was on reflection, in the middle of psychosis. I was hospitalised in a psychiatric hospital and given the diagnosis of Bipolar.”

Since then, Emma has faced the unpredictable nature of the illness, from manic episodes and psychosis to deep depression, affecting every aspect of her life.

“People think bipolar is just being happy one minute and sad the next, but it’s so much more than that. It's a very episodic illness. Some days, getting out of bed is a struggle. And that can be hard, because I've got four children, so I always have to push myself. When I’m really depressed and I can’t function at all, my husband has to help me with everything. I withdraw from the world and don’t have the reserves to talk to anyone else. If I'm not careful, I can go into mania, and then there’s a risk of psychosis and getting out of psychosis is very, very difficult. The recovery time is long.”

With the right support, Emma found ways to manage her bipolar and now dedicates much of her time to helping others. She runs an online community to share her experiences with bipolar, promoting openness, understanding, and self-care. She also volunteers for mental health charities and is a qualified mindfulness teacher.

Emma’s message for World Bipolar Day is simple but powerful: be kind.

"If you have a loved one with bipolar, please be patient with them. They are doing the best they can. On their hardest days, they are just trying to get through the day. It costs nothing to be kind to individuals who are struggling."

How to Get Support

AWARE NI runs 24 free-to-attend support groups across Northern Ireland, including three online groups, providing a safe, welcoming space for those affected by bipolar, depression, low mood and anxiety.

To find your nearest support group click here

For more information about bipolar please visit our page dedicated on our website or our free online factsheet. 

Tags: AWARE | bipolar | Fundraising | Mental Health | Northern Ireland