Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day is part of Mental Health Awareness Week (1-7 October). It was created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Abbott Laboratories, in 1990, to increase awareness of bipolar disorder, promote early detection and accurate diagnosis, reduce stigma, and minimize the devastating impact on the 2.3 million Americans presently affected by the disorder. Taking place on the Thursday of Mental Health Awareness Week, BDAD activities focus on encouraging the community to:

• Learn more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder and mental illness and understand its impact on society.
• Participate in a free mental health screening held in many local communities.
• Reach out people with bipolar disorder to seek treatment.

NAMI is also organizing a series of nationwide walks from October 1st through November, to raise funds and awareness. Find the closest NAMIWALK to you.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 27 Sep 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.