Tag: Bipolar disorder

Heston Blumenthal OBE: My Life With Bipolar BBC Documentary Review by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Melanie Blumenthal)

Last week, acclaimed chef, restauranteur and mental health advocate, Heston Blumenthal OBE starred in the BBC documentary ‘Heston: My Life with Bipolar’ which explored his fairly recent bipolar disorder diagnosis. Heston subsequently became an ambassador for national charity Bipolar UK, and has been actively supporting the charity’s mission to help reduce the average 9.5 year delay to diagnosis and end the stigma surrounding the condition.

In 2023, Heston began experiencing both depressive and manic episodes, hearing voices and seeing hallucinations, as well as depression with suicidal thoughts. Mania can also cause you to have intense creativity, speak faster and not listen to others as well as causing delusions and psychosis. Heston’s wife Melanie could see that his health was deteriorating rapidly and that he was a danger to himself. Despite the trauma of sectioning and hospitalisation, this set Heston on the path of not only a bipolar diagnosis, but medicine, therapy and ongoing treatment to help him live a healthy and happy life again.

Heston said to Bipolar UK, “I was living with undiagnosed bipolar for many years, so it’s been an extraordinary journey to get where I am today, and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to talk to others living with the condition and find out more about their experiences.

“There is still a lot of stigma regarding bipolar, and mental health support is still lacking, but it is vital to be able to talk openly about the condition. I know this isn’t always easy, but I hope by sharing my experience, people will gain a greater understanding of bipolar and an insight into how I’m managing it.”

The documentary was extremely powerful to watch and sad in places, but inspiring. As someone who faced a similar situation to Heston in terms of a manic episode with psychosis/delusions that led to being sedated, sectioned by psychiatrists and hospitalised, my heart went out to him as I know how traumatising this can be. I found the needle being shown as a reenactment for sedation quite challenging to watch! However, the documentary was more than just showing what happened to Heston, who didn’t know he had bipolar til 2023, when he was in his 50s.

I found the discussion that Heston had with his son Jack, about how he was during a manic episode to be really enlightening. A lot of children of parents with bipolar find it challenging when their parents personality is almost hijacked by the episodes. Mania can lead to quickened speech, manic and grandiose ideas, lack of sleep and risky behaviour. You could see how much love Heston and Jack had for each other and how special is family is to support him through this and appear on camera. This includes his wife Melanie, who has been Heston’s rock!

The documentary ended with Heston visiting the mother of Rebecca McLellan, a young woman with bipolar who died by suicide due to neglect from mental health services. Rebecca had raised the alarm with the crisis team at her local hospital various times but was not treated with respect and dignity. The pressure of her illness and lack of support led her to take her own life.

Heston wants to highlight the suicide risk that bipolar brings and how much more mental health support is needed from the government. He is now working as an ambassador with Bipolar UK to raise awareness. Bipolar UK is on a mission to ensure people with bipolar get a quicker diagnosis so they can access effective treatment, support, and self-management, enabling them to live well and fulfil their potential.

Simon Kitchen, Bipolar UK CEO, added: “Heston is such an incredible ambassador for everyone in the UK living with, or affected by, bipolar. We could not be prouder to be working with him. His willingness to be so vulnerable on camera and to share such personal details about his experiences has resonated with many people in our community – and will help people who don’t know much about bipolar to begin to understand this complex and much-misunderstood condition. Heston is living proof that despite the sometimes severe and fluctuating nature of the condition, living with bipolar should not be a barrier to following your ambitions”

As one of the million people in the UK living with bipolar, I know how much more funding is needed in the NHS and a new bipolar pathway with more mental health support needs to be set up. Early prevention and support is key to stop bipolar escalating into suicide or mania.

Although it was a very personal watch for me, due to having been diagnosed with bipolar since aged 16 and my Dad having bipolar too, I thought that Heston’s documentary was so inspiring. He has only been living with the condition for two years and is using his platform for the good. Heston is now on Lithium medication to stabilise his moods as well as an anti psychotic medication.

Bipolar UK say that according to the stats, someone with bipolar takes their own life every day. Hopefully Heston’s documentary will act as a reminder and catalyst to our government to begin change. Thank you Heston and Melanie for being vulnerable and sharing your important story.

(image: Bipolar UK)

Heston: Life with Bipolar is out now on BBC Iplayer.

Doctor’s Insights: Navigating Life With Bipolar Disorder By Dr Antti Rintanen MD Of The Internet Doctor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Emily Underworld: Unsplash)

Living with bipolar disorder can often feel like your emotions are swinging between two extremes. The highs (mania) can be energising but risky, and the lows (depression) can be draining and isolating. As a doctor, I’ve worked with many patients who face this condition—and I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools, treatments, and habits can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. These mood shifts can affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It’s more than just having a bad day or being in a good mood—it can seriously impact relationships, work, and daily functioning.

According to the World Health Organisation, bipolar disorder is one of the top causes of disability for people between 15 and 44 years old.

Medications: The Backbone of Treatment

Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to help manage their symptoms. Lithium, for example, has been used for decades and is one of the most reliable treatments to prevent manic episodes and reduce the risk of suicide. Other options include other mood stabilisers and certain antipsychotic medications.

It’s really important to stick with your medication plan. Stopping suddenly—even if you feel better—can cause serious setbacks. Never adjust or stop medications without medical supervision—even if you’re feeling better, as this significantly increases the risk of relapse, especially into mania. If you have side effects, don’t stop on your own—talk to your doctor about switching or adjusting your dose.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy can help you understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and build better habits. One helpful option is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It teaches people to recognise unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. CBT is especially useful for managing depression and maintaining stability between episodes, though it is less effective during manic phases.

Another type of therapy, called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), focuses on keeping your daily schedule steady—especially your sleep and social routines. Why does this matter? Because disruptions to your daily rhythm can trigger mood episodes.

Family-focused therapy also makes a big difference. When your loved ones understand your condition and know how to respond, you’re more likely to stay on track. If you face trauma around your condition, then EMDR therapy can also help with any PTSD or anxiety symptoms.

These therapies don’t replace medication, but they add valuable tools for coping, improving communication, and building resilience.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

Beyond medication and therapy, lifestyle habits have a huge effect on mood. Here are a few evidence-based strategies:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps stabilize your mood.

  • Get moving. Exercise—even walking—has been shown to lift mood and reduce stress.

  • Eat well. Omega-3 fats (like those found in fish or flaxseed) may support brain health. While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest they could help support mood as part of a healthy diet.

  • Manage stress. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or journaling can help you stay grounded.

  • Avoid alcohol and drugs. These can interfere with treatment and trigger episodes.

It’s worth remembering that lifestyle changes work best alongside—not in place of—medication and therapy. These small, daily actions help support long-term stability and overall well-being.

Pay Attention to Early Warning Signs

Everyone’s symptoms are different, but common early signs of mania include less need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive decisions. Signs of depression may include feeling hopeless, withdrawing from others, or sleeping too much.

Keeping a mood diary or using an app can help track how you’re doing. You might also ask a trusted friend or family member to gently point out changes you might not notice.

Build a Strong Support System

Having a support system—whether friends, family, or a support group—makes a real difference. Research shows that people with strong social support tend to manage bipolar disorder better and have fewer hospitalisations.

It also helps when your loved ones are informed and involved. When people understand what you’re going through, it’s easier for them to support you in ways that actually help.

Final Thoughts

Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy, but it’s manageable. With the right treatment, daily routines, emotional awareness, and a good support network, it’s absolutely possible to live a meaningful and empowered life.

You are more than your diagnosis. And there are tools—backed by science—that can help you thrive.

About the Author

Dr. Antti Rintanen is a licensed physician from Finland and founder of The Internet Doctor, where he shares reliable, accessible health advice. He writes about both physical and mental well-being with a focus on evidence-based care.

FeedSpot Top Bipolar Disorder Blog Award!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

Thank you Anuj and team at FeedSpot for putting this blog in the Top 5 of 60 Best Bipolar Disorder Blogs on the Internet!

Really grateful to be recognised, as this blog is 9 years old now too! Great to be featured amongst other fantastic blogs educating about mental health and bipolar.

You can click here to see the full list: https://bloggers.feedspot.com/bipolar_disorder_blogs/?feedid=4677954&_src=f1_featured_email

Eleanor x

9th Blog Anniversary of Be Ur Own Light!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Ginger Ray)

Whenever 1st March rolls around, I feel a tremendous sense of pride but also – how has it been so many years since I started blogging on WordPress about my mental health?

Be Ur Own Light Blog started on 1st March 2016 after I had had to leave a face to face job because I was having panic attacks and couldn’t get in to work. I saw blogging as a form of therapy.. and in truth, I was only originally sharing with friends and family because I felt really alone with it. That eventually snowballed into me writing for Rethink Mental Illness and then in the national media, speaking at a few in-person events and recording podcasts. It was also an honour to be included in several books including ‘The Book of Hope’ by Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger, talking about life with bipolar.

There’s times I still feel alone with my health but I also have so much support and understanding from family and friends and readers here too, which helps a great deal.

I just want to thank everyone we have collaborated with in the past year (sponsored or not)- brands, charities, businesses, individuals making a difference in the mental health world. Thank you for writing blogs for Be Ur Own Light and our personal mission of taking a sledgehammer to the stigma of mental illness (or trying to!).

Thank you also to everyone who has promoted or bought my books, especially my recent kids book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’. I am so proud of ‘Bring me to Light’ too and hope sharing my story continues to help people.

If you’ve been following this journey for 9 years (or longer)- thank YOU for being here for the ride and continuing to read, support and show up.

It has been harder for me in the past 2 years to authentically share everything about my mental health and other health things on here but one day I hope that our journey can inspire others. I live in remission from Bipolar due to my medications holding me and I never forget daily how lucky I am to have access to mental health medications (due to living in the UK) and an excellent therapist, plus support from family.

Going forward, I will still be blogging but I am hoping that the sequel to Arabella and the Worry Cloud will manifest soon. I have written it, I just need the funds to secure everything! Shout out to my friend and illustrator Shelley. I hope also that Arabella will continue to reach more children and find it’s way to all who need its message.

Thank you all of you for enabling me to blog and write and hopefully help people with bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks etc. Thank you to every person who has read a blog, bought a book, shared an article, commissioned me in the press to write an article on mental health or current affairs and to all who have or continue to believe in me- including my amazing husband and family. and of course G-d who is behind everything.

Love and gratitude,

Ellie x

National UK Inquiry Reveals 19% Increase In Suicide for People Living With Bipolar- With Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Michelle Henderson: Unsplash)

Trigger warning: discusses suicide

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) released its Annual Report for 2025 last week, revealing that over the past decade, nearly 20% more individuals with bipolar disorder are dying by suicide due to shortcomings in the UK’s mental health system.

According to national charity Bipolar UK, the report provides stark evidence that specialist care is lacking, Lithium (an important mood stabiliser medication) is under-prescribed and suicide prevention measures are falling short.

The report highlights that from 2012 to 2022, there were 1,491 suicides by patients with bipolar, with an alarming 19% increase from 2019 to 2022. Despite Lithium being a clinically proven suicide prevention treatment for people with bipolar, only 39% of those who died were prescribed it and just 12% were receiving psychological therapy​.

This data echoes the findings and lived experience of Professor Tania Gergel, Head of Research at Bipolar UK, in her recent article in The Lancet Psychiatry where she said: “Globally, 15-20% of people with bipolar disorder die by suicide, with 30-60% making at least one attempt. These rates are not decreasing despite an overall decline in global suicide rates.”

According to the Nuffield Trust, there is set to be a £4.8 billion unfunded shortfall in the NHS England revenue budget for 2024/25, raising the prospect that without further funding, service cuts may be inevitable.

With bipolar increasing an individual’s risk of suicide by 20 times that of the general population, Bipolar UK is urging the government to commit to addressing health waiting lists and to invest money in creating a dedicated care pathway for bipolar to reduce suicide rates.

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, said: “This report is devastating but not surprising. We’ve been shouting from the rooftops that people with bipolar aren’t getting the care they need and now the data lays it bare.

“Bipolar carries one of the highest suicide risks of any mental illness, yet specialist services are practically non-existent, and Lithium – the gold-standard treatment for suicide prevention – is underused. The time for excuses is over. We need real action, and we need it now.”

The charity has heard from its community of people living with the condition, who are concerned that they are unable to access psychiatrists, have little to no continuity of care and are not being monitored adequately when at high risk. There is also a lack of bipolar specialists in the UK, leading to people not receiving a correct diagnosis or waiting too long to receive one – all of which add to the risk of suicide.

Professor Gergel said: “Neither bipolar disorder nor suicide in people with bipolar disorder are research priorities, resulting in major knowledge gaps in both. This can and must change. The shocking statistics might well underestimate the prevalence of suicide in people with bipolar disorder, given the probability of death by suicide before treatment or accurate diagnosis.”

Adding to that, Simon Kitchen said: “Suicide prevention in bipolar requires a shift in both research priorities and clinical practice. We know lithium saves lives, but it is still under-prescribed. We know specialist care works, but most services are generic and fail to meet the specific needs of people with bipolar. Bipolar suicide is not inevitable, but without urgent action, people will continue to die.”

(image of Prof Gergel, Bipolar UK)

The NCISH report also revealed broader systemic failures contributing to preventable deaths. Alarmingly, patients with bipolar were more likely to:

  • Die within three months of being discharged from inpatient care, highlighting dangerous gaps in post-discharge support​.
  • Miss vital clinical appointments, often due to social isolation or side effects from medication, with 15% identified as non-adherent before their deaths​.
  • Experience extreme distress without access to psychological therapies, with only 12% receiving talking therapies​.

With more than a million people living with bipolar in the UK, the figures from this latest inquiry represent lives lost and has led Bipolar UK to call for urgent action, including implementing:

  1. Specialist bipolar services in every NHS region to ensure timely diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatments and care tailored to the complexities of the condition.
  2. Increased lithium prescribing, in line with NICE guidelines, ensuring every person with bipolar who could benefit from it is given the opportunity.
  3. Enhanced suicide prevention measures, including better follow-up after hospital discharge and targeted support for those who miss appointments or struggle with medication adherence.

Simon Kitchen concluded: “We need all UK health authorities and departments of health across the nation to act now because lives depend on it. The evidence is undeniable, the solutions are clear, and the cost of inaction is catastrophic. Specialist care, Lithium, and targeted suicide prevention measures can and will save lives.

“Bipolar suicide is a national emergency, and the upcoming 10-Year Plan is the critical opportunity to turn the tide. Bipolar-specific services are not optional; they are a lifeline.

“The government and NHS must act now, before more lives are lost to preventable tragedy. It is time to get it right.”

(image: Simon Kitchen, CEO, Bipolar UK)

For more information about suicidal thinking and bipolar, visit: Bipolar and suicide prevention

About Bipolar UK   

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Bipolar UK provides a range of services, including information and advice, a network of support groups, an eCommunity, workplace training and telephone and email peer support. Bipolar UK also works in partnership with research organisations and campaigns for change to tackle critical issues. For more information, visit www.bipolaruk.org 

Twenty Years At Christmas Time.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 10 Comments

(Image: E Mandelstam)

In December 2004, I was 16 years old. That year had been very painful and difficult with my mental health but I had pushed myself and secured good grades in my GCSES. However, my inherited mental illness, bipolar 1 disorder, was not yet diagnosed. I had experienced depression and mania. Then In December 04, the depression turned into psychosis where I had delusions (false beliefs about the world), high anxiety and agitation.

That Christmas, the only place I wanted to be was in hospital. I didn’t feel safe at home and by miracle the NHS found me a voluntary admission to the Priory North London CAMHS unit. I was an inpatient for 4 months and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. My dad was diagnosed a few years before.

Years ending in 4 have been a worry for me. 10 years after this- 2014, I had another significant even worse hospitalisation that traumatised me. But it led to me finding the right medicine for me that has kept me stable- no mania or psychosis.

Now in 2024, at Christmas I am celebrating 10 years of remission. And 20 since that 16 year old girl was diagnosed. I was so scared for my future. Yes bipolar has taken a lot from my life healthwise but it has also given me untold blessings too – teaching me life is short and to be determined and resilient when I can be.

Twenty years on I have mixed emotions. I wouldn’t want to wish being diagnosed with a life long severe mental illness as a teen on anyone. But somehow miraculously, despite the depression, despite past suicidal ideation, I am here. I have survived. I know younger Ellie would be proud of the things I have achieved.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday and heres to 2025. Thank you to all of you my readers too,

love and light

Eleanor

Bipolar And Seasonal Self Care: Overspending This Festive Season by Bipolar UK

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Jeshoots.com: Unsplash)

Christmas can be a stressful time for many, but for those living with bipolar disorder, it is a time of year when symptoms may be exacerbated, and overspending can become an issue.

According to national charity, Bipolar UK, the increased pressure to attend social occasions alongside material pressures around Christmas/Chanukah can trigger manic or depressive episodes in some living with the condition, resulting in an increased risk of overspending.

Dr Thomas Richardson, clinical psychologist at Southampton University, who has lived experience of bipolar and has researched the topic of bipolar and overspending, “impulsive or compulsive spending means spending more money than you planned and regretting it.”

He added: “There’s definitely something about that sense of urgency that I must buy it right away – the feeling like you can’t stop yourself and it’s a little bit out of your own control.

“There is a lot of guilt and feelings of being a burden associated with bipolar, and we know that people living with the condition can sometimes feel that excessive generosity is a way to pay back loved ones for their support. Overspending can also feel like a comfort at the time.

“Christmas is a time where we’re surrounded by adverts encouraging us to buy things and there’s the additional pressure of feeling the need to socialise. All of this can potentially be very triggering for some people living with bipolar.”

April Kelley, an award-winning actress and producer living with bipolar, has a history of overspending. She said: “My biggest achilles heel is spending money on others, and I think that’s a combination of buying love and the rush that buying things for others gives me.

“Last Christmas I bought flights from my home in LA back to the UK at the last minute to surprise my parents, but I’ve also been known to buy an entire bar’s worth of Jager bombs for everyone.

“I now use digital banking as a way to help me budget by splitting money into pots and my parents are really supportive and help me to keep control of my finances.”

Dr Richardson says there are several ways you can protect yourself from overspending at Christmas and beyond. He says that digital banking is good to helo you budget, move money into different pots and set spending limits. He advises making a list of what you really need to buy, versus what you’d like to buy, unsubscribe from marketing emails if it helps you, be mindful of who you follow on social media, make gifts instead of buying and return unnecessary things you have bought.

(image: Bipolar UK)

Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, said: “Advance Choice Documents (also known as ACDs) are a great way to ensure your voice is heard during a period of relapse.

“The idea is to write an ACD with your loved one or doctor when you’re well to put into action if you recognise you’re experiencing the early signs of an episode. You can include a line to protect yourself from overspending – planning to have limited access to a credit card or only using a basic mobile phone without internet, for example.

“This is why it is so important to monitor your mood so you can be aware of the warning signs if you are heading towards a relapse when you might be more prone to overspending. Many people in our community say using our free Mood Tracker app is a simple way to notice early symptoms.

“Finally – please don’t feel that you’re alone. We provide 1-1 peer support, support groups, a 24/7 eCommunity that is open 24/7, 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day, and invaluable resources on managing common seasonal triggers of bipolar.”

(Image of Simon Kitchen: Bipolar UK)

Click to access Bipolar UK’s Mood Tracker app, peer support groups and eCommunity.

Watch Bipolar UK’s webinar about ‘bipolar and overspending’ here

With thanks to Bipolar UK for these excellent tips this festive season.

World Bipolar Day 2024

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

Today is World Bipolar Day and its a day where we raise awareness globally about living with bipolar disorder and battling social stigma

When I had my first depressive and manic episodes in 2004; I was a teenager and had no idea what was happening to me. I was helped not only by family support (my dad was diagnosed 4 years before me) but also by some amazing psychiatry health professionals (shout out to Dr Mark Berelowitz at the Royal Free and the team at the Priory North London).

Bipolar changed my life as a young person in both good and difficult ways. It made me stronger; more resilient and more empathetic. But it also made me depressed, manic; anxious and fearful. There were times where I was scared of my own brain and didn’t know where bipolar started and Eleanor ended.

20 years later, I take daily medicines and engage in therapy and I go long periods between episodes due to finding the right medications. This is my own experience and some people with bipolar rapid cycle or have more regular episodes.

Remember it’s ok not to be ok but reach for support and never give up. There is a future and a way forward. I will keep talking about bipolar to help others and raise vital awareness and funds for our condition. Please also support charities like Bipolar UK and have a read of my book Bring me to Light.

5 Key Takeaways On Treatment Options For Bipolar Disorder by Maya.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Samson Katt: Pexels)

Most people know at least a bit about bipolar disorder. It has come into the mainstream more in recent years and many people have it.

BPD treatment is available for those who want or need it. There are many clinics and doctors who are willing to help those who are showing signs of this disorder.

If you have a bipolar disorder diagnosis or you know someone who has, there are some takeaways on treatment options about which you should know.

More is Known About Bipolar Disorder than Ever Before

First, it’s crucial to know that medical science has advanced to the point where more is known about bipolar depression. The brains of individuals who have it have been studied. This has led to a wealth of information that doctors and clinicians can use when developing more advanced and effective treatments.  

Those Who Have It Can Often Live Normal Lives

It’s also true that those who have received a bipolar disorder diagnosis can usually live normal lives. They can often take care of themselves. However, there is a much better chance of this if the person who has received the diagnosis is willing to communicate regularly with a medical professional or team of professionals who can help them when needed.

Refusing Treatment Can Lead to Serious Problems for the Diagnosed Individual

It’s worth mentioning that if someone who has received this diagnosis does not want to get help, they could then become unwell. Part of bipolar disorder is that sometimes, those with it can suffer from the depths of depression. They can also experience dizzying highs of a manic phase.

Mania can be quite a dangerous time for the person with bipolar and treatment such as Lithium will be needed to return them to wellness.

A Medicine Regime Can Help

Most medical doctors agree that the medications that are available now can help someone who has received a bipolar disorder diagnosis. A mix of medicines including mood stabilisers, anti psychotics and anti depressants is usually what it takes to keep such a person on an even keel.

These medicines might not be the first choice of the person who has received the diagnosis. Sometimes, those who have bipolar disorder may not want to take medication.

Meeting with a Doctor Can Help as Well

Someone with bipolar disorder may find that medicines and therapies can help to manage the condition.

It is important to monitor your own moods and reach out to your GP or psychiatrist if you feel you are becoming unwell with an episode.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

World Mental Health Day 2023: Bipolar Disorder has the Highest Rate Of Suicide- Bipolar UK.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: Study Starter)

This World Mental Health Day, clinical experts in bipolar have today announced that successive failings in government policy could have led to a significant reduction in quality of care for those living with bipolar in the UK.

Despite vast improvements in key areas of mental health, the average age for people to get a diagnosis of bipolar is 34 if someone was diagnosed within the past five years, compared to 26 if someone was diagnosed 30 or more years ago.

“It is shocking that today people are living with undiagnosed bipolar for longer than they were when the charity was formed 40 years ago. The current average delay to diagnosis is 9.5 years. That’s nearly a lost decade where people are struggling with confusing symptoms without getting the vital bipolar-specific treatment and support they need,” said Simon Kitchen, CEO of leading charity Bipolar UK.

“This delay is having catastrophic consequences, with the Bipolar Commission finding that more than a third of the 2,458 people surveyed had attempted suicide because of this delay. This is backed up by research which shows that ‘time to treatment’ is significantly associated with hospitalisations and lifetime suicide attempts.

Tragically, global research estimates that up to 1 in 5 people will take their own life and 60% of people with bipolar will attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.

It is well established that bipolar has the highest risk of suicide of any mental health condition, yet it is only mentioned once in the Government’s recently published national suicide prevention strategy.

CEO of Bipolar UK CEO, Simon Kitchen, said, “Since Bipolar UK was founded as a charity 40 years ago, we have never stopped campaigning on behalf of those living with bipolar and their families.

“To help prevent the high rate of suicide in those with bipolar and to reduce this unacceptable waiting time for a diagnosis, we are currently campaigning for the Government to commit to prioritising bipolar in the implementation of their national suicide prevention strategy and to commit to reducing the average delay to diagnosis to five year within five years.”

The Bipolar Commission’s Bipolar Minds Matter report launched in parliament in November 2022 includes several recommendations that experts in bipolar and clinicians believe will reduce diagnosis time, improve the quality of life and reduce the high risk of suicide for those living with bipolar.

Kitchen added; “The current care system for bipolar is broken, resulting in an ineffective and inaccurate pathway to diagnosis.

“It is shocking that diagnosis delays are worse now than when Bipolar UK was founded 40 years ago.

“Although we are providing as much support as we can, we desperately need the government to sit up and take action before we lose even more people to suicide.”

To find out more about Bipolar UK’s peer support services please visit: www.bipolaruk.org/get-support