We are a group of individuals who are advocating for adolescents and young adults (between the ages of 12 - 18 years old) in lower income neighborhoods with bipolar disorder and/or other mental illnesses. We would like to shift the negative stigma from a problematic disorder to a creative gift.

In today's society people with bipolar disorder and/or other mental illnesses are looked at as if they are dangerous. Many schools in low income neighborhoods don't have the necessary resources to treat these kids and instead rely on drastic consequences such as calling the police when a child demonstrates a manic episode.  Our team wants to help bring out their creative gifts and show that there are alternative treatments for schools instead of police involvement.

In order to achieve this goal we have developed two solutions that we believe could be productive ways in improving the current situation.

Solution 1: Better Diagnosis and Treatment

Require all schools to provide some type of assistance for kids that demonstrate any behaviors that might be symptoms of bipolar disorder.  This assistance could be through the school or outside help but we demand that all kids get proper treatment and provided the necessary medication.

Solution 2: Alternative Treatment for First Time Offenders with Bipolar

If kids in schools engage in destructive behavior and it is a first time offense we ask that these kids are shown leniency when it comes to consequence.  Instead of police involvement we suggest opportunities to express their creativity during school.

Please help us to achieve our goals. Please sign our petition and share it with friends and family.