On the 1st April 2020 I will turn 50 years old, a feat I never thought I would achieve. In my early thirties, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and in 2015 a depressive episode got the better of me as, following an overdose of my meds, I 'died' in the back of an ambulance.
However, as you may have guessed by now, I'm still here and I want to use the occasion of my 50 not out to raise money and awareness for Bipolar UK.
My sponsored challenge is to meet with as many celebrities as possible, take a selfie and share the picture and hashtag across social media using the influence and exposure of the people I meet to spread the word. I will also be writing a blog diary for the Bipolar UK website, and asking each celebrity to add their signature to a book that will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Bipolar is one of the biggest mental health challenges of the 21st century:
- More than a million people in the UK have bipolar. That’s one in fifty people
- Bipolar increases an individual’s risk of suicide by up to 20 times
- It takes an average of ten and a half years to get a correct diagnosis of bipolar
- It is a growing issue with young people more likely to screen positive than older people
- Bipolar has a huge impact on families and friends
- Many people with bipolar continue to lack the basic support and treatment needed to live well with the condition, and so the need for a dedicated national bipolar charity has never been greater
Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by bipolar and provides vital assistance to over 70,000 people each year. Peer support is at the core of their work with;
- More than 100 support groups for people affected by bipolar, facilitated by trained and supported volunteers
- A moderated eCommunity with approximately 20,000 registered members, accessed each week by between 600 and 850 people
- One to one peer support provided by telephone and email, recognising that face to face support groups and a digital service will not be for everyone
- Information provided on the Bipolar UK website
Every penny you donate will go to Bipolar UK.
Thank you so, so much for your kindness
Steve
Everybody who can help will receive a shout out on my blog which I am also hoping to get into print. The books will be sold with all profit going to charity. Supporters will also have their names printed.