This year's campaign, titled “Strength with Bipolar,” not only seeks to enlighten the public but also to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
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As the world observes World Bipolar Awareness Day on March 30, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is urging individuals and communities to amplify the voices of those living with bipolar disorder.
This year's campaign, titled “Strength with Bipolar,” not only seeks to enlighten the public but also to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health conditions by sharing real-life stories of resilience and courage from South Africans navigating their daily lives despite the challenges posed by this disorder.
“A diagnosis does not define a person,” said Mogammed, Sadag Support Group leader for people living with bipolar.
“People living with bipolar disorder are mothers, fathers, partners, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders. They are individuals with hopes, goals, and talents, and they also live with a mental health condition.”
Melissa, a support group member, shares: “I live with bipolar disorder, but I am also a mother and a professional. Learning how to manage my mental health has helped me rebuild my confidence.”
Phindile, who is also a support group member, said some days are harder than others.
"But with support and treatment, I am able to live a full and meaningful life.”
A central message repeated throughout the campaign is: “Strength with Bipolar.”
Dr Alicia Porter, a psychiatrist, said bipolar disorder was only one part of a person’s life, it does not define their identity, their worth, or their future.
"When we reduce people to a diagnosis, we silence their full story. It’s time we listen, understand, and recognise the strength it takes to live, work, love, and show up every day while managing this condition.”
Stigma remains one of the biggest challenges preventing people from seeking help. Many people fear judgement, discrimination, or misunderstanding when speaking about bipolar disorder, listen to lived experience stories with empathy, support not only family members but colleagues who may also be struggling, and help create environments where people feel safe to seek help.
For people living with Bipolar Disorder, or for family members who want to better understand how to support a loved one, Sadag offers support and access to care.
Sadag encourages anyone who may need help to reach out for free telephonic counselling and emotional support, mental health information and guidance, referrals to mental health professionals, and access to support groups where people can connect with others who share similar lived experiences.
Cassey Chambers, Sadag's Operations Director, said for more than 30 years, the group had stood alongside people living with bipolar disorder, fighting for their rights to fair treatment, access to care, and dignity within both the healthcare system and society.
"This Bipolar Awareness Day, we are calling on South Africa to look beyond the diagnosis and the statistics, and to see the person as someone with a story, a family, a career, and a future. Living with bipolar disorder is not a limitation of identity, but a testament to resilience. This year, we are changing the narrative to recognise the strength, humanity, and lived experiences of those navigating bipolar disorder every day.”
Visit the Sadag website at www.sadag.org to access the bipolar awareness toolkit, which offers valuable information, resources, and ways to start conversations around mental Health. You can also get involved on social media by tagging @SADAG_Official when sharing posts to help spread the message, show support, and remind others that they are not alone.
Help is also available 24 hours through the Sadag Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 786. You can also SMS 31393 for a counsellor to call back or reach out via WhatsApp on 076 882 2775 (available 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week).