Maybe it’s bipolar? campaign launches with the premiere of a new short film

Last night, we launched our new Maybe it’s bipolar? campaign with an exclusive premiere of a powerful short film, created by our amazing ambassadors Rosie Viva and April Kelley.

Hosted at Working Title Pictures in central London, the event brought together cast, crew, Bipolar UK team members, supporters and press. Following the screenings, fellow Bipolar UK ambassador Leah Charles-King hosted a Q&A session with Rosie and April, exploring their motivation for creating the film and the life-changing impact of getting a diagnosis.

Watch the short film below.

Maybe it's bipolar? campaign

Over one million people are affected by bipolar in the UK, however with delays to diagnosis common, over half (56%) of people living with the condition are yet to be diagnosed.

With an average wait of 9.5 years to receive a diagnosis of bipolar, this delay can have a significant impact, preventing access to life-changing treatment and specialist support.

The Maybe it’s bipolar? campaign aims to raise awareness and help people to recognise symptoms, such as periods of high energy, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, increased risk-taking and/or impulsive behaviour, followed by periods of low mood, which may be signs of bipolar. 

The campaign encourages anyone who may be experiencing symptoms to take the bipolar test to assess whether or not they may have bipolar.

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK said:

“This campaign is crucial for the hundreds of thousands of people in UK who are living with undiagnosed bipolar. The earlier someone gets a diagnosis and specialist treatment, the better their long-term outcome.

"By getting people who are struggling with their mental health to consider that ‘maybe it’s bipolar?’ we are supporting them to take the first step on the journey to diagnosis so they can get the treatment and support they need to live well."

April Kelley, Bipolar UK Ambassador, said: 

"I was 27 when I received my diagnosis after 10 years of misdiagnosis of depression and anxiety and incorrect medication that actually exacerbated my bipolar symptoms, making me hypomanic. It’s so important for people living with bipolar to feel seen, heard and understood. Knowing there is a pathway of medication, therapy and support is vital and actually lifesaving.”

Rosie Viva, Bipolar UK ambassador, model, author and presenter, said: 

"I knew something was different, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I loved life so much, but during the lows, I felt I couldn’t cope. While the years that followed were extremely challenging, looking back, my diagnosis ultimately saved my life.”