Take action now. Save bipolar lives.

The Bipolar Commission found that it’s taking an average of 9.5 years to get a diagnosis of bipolar. Nine-and-a-half years to get a bipolar diagnosis is too long. People living with undiagnosed bipolar are at risk of losing their jobs, relationships, homes and lives during this lost decade. Research estimates as many as one in five people with bipolar take their own lives. One of the many reasons behind this shocking statistic may be the long delay to diagnosis. Another key factor is that there isn’t a specialist care pathway for people with bipolar which would speed up diagnosis and save bipolar lives.  

Speed up bipolar diagnosis to save lives 

· There’s an average delay of 9.5 years between people first contacting a health professional about symptoms and getting an accurate diagnosis of bipolar
· 60% of people said this delay had a significant impact on their life
· 84% of people said a diagnosis was 'helpful' or 'very helpful'
· 36% of people in our community tell us they attempted suicide because of the delay.  

A diagnosis makes it possible for someone to get effective treatment and support, and to live well with bipolar

It's estimated that at least 5% of people who take their own life have a diagnosis of bipolar. The shorter the delay in diagnosis, the sooner someone can empower themselves with effective self-management and foster a positive circle with fewer relapses in both the short and long-term.

'The time to make changes is now. I implore you to pledge your support and join us as a change maker.' Professor Guy Goodwin, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and co-chair of The Bipolar Commission.

Here Megan’s dad, Andy, explains why taking action now will help #savebipolarlives 

letstalkbipolar #savebipolarlives