Mission Statement

The National Bipolar Foundation works toward reducing the stigma of Bipolar Disorder through:

• Educating the Public
• Aiding Research
• Promoting effective and affordable treatment
• Bringing to Light the issues and prejudices facing people with Bipolar Disorder

Statement of Purpose

On April 16, 2007, concerned people met to form the National Bipolar Foundation, the first national group of its kind dedicated to eradicating the disease. By de-stigmatizing the illness through education and awareness campaigns, the Foundation enables those affected by Bipolar Disorder to discuss their concerns at will instead of at a whisper; to assist undiagnosed or untreated people to seek help or gain knowledge; and to stimulate research to gain a cure.

This founding group recognizes that to speak of Bipolar Disorder, one must understand Bipolar Disorder, its course and treatment, as well as the relevant health care policies that so dramatically affect the availability of care. The National Bipolar Foundation will utilize proactive, highly intuitive methods to educate the public and advocate issues of concern. The Foundation pledges to spend the vast majority of funds raised directly on these efforts and to maintain at least one bipolar individual on the Board of Directors at all time.

Today we set out on a journey to vastly improve the lives of millions of people afflicted with Bipolar Disorder, and their family and friends. May we be joined by millions of others in this effort.

About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a disease that involves mood changes and disorders. Bipolar disorder has been called manic depression, and that term is still used by some people. It is a psychiatric disability that causes major disruptions in lifestyle and health.

Most people start showing signs of Bipolar Disorder in their late teens (the average age of onset is 21 years). These signs may be dismissed as “growing pains” or normal teenage behavior. On occasion, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, but the condition can often be misdiagnosed at this age and improperly labeled as a behavioral problem or a condition such as ADHD or depression. Bipolar Disorder may not be properly diagnosed until the sufferer is 25-40 years old, at which time the pattern of symptoms may become clearer.

• Severe depression can be life-threatening. It may be associated with thoughts of suicide, actual acts of suicide, and, in some cases, even acts of homicide.
• Extreme mania can lead to aggressive behavior, potentially dangerous risk-taking behaviors, and homicidal acts.
• A number of people with Bipolar Disorder have been known to turn to drugs and alcohol in order to “self-treat” their emotional disorder, resulting in substance abuse and dependence.
• Bipolar Disorder occurs in both men and women. About 5.7 million people in the United States have the disorder. There is no racial group that is more afflicted by this disease. Bipolar Disorder knows no bounds. It affects all races and all ages. It does not care who you are, what you do or where you live.

Because of the extreme and risky behavior that occasionally occurs with Bipolar Disorder, it is very important that the disorder be properly identified. With proper and early diagnosis, Bipolar Disorder can be treated. Bipolar Disorder is a long-term illness that will require proper management for the duration of a person’s life.