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World Bipolar Day

An awareness observance on March 30 raising global awareness of bipolar disorders, eliminating social stigma, and promoting education and sensitivity toward the illness.

Tuesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 30

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYMental Health

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD)

FIRST OBSERVED

2014

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) originated the idea and approached the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), which invited the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) to join. It was first observed on March 30, 2014, Vincent van Gogh's birthday, to address global disparities in perceptions of bipolar disorder and eliminate stigma.

Institutional Recordvia ibpf.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to show your support for those affected by bipolar disorder on World Bipolar Day on March 30! This special day was created in 2013 to bring attention to the mental health condition, which affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide. It's a day of awareness and understanding, as well as a celebration of all that those with bipolar disorder have accomplished in spite of their diagnosis. Let's come together and spread positivity, strength and hope for everyone living with this condition.

TIMELINE

World Bipolar Day Timeline

Early Recognition

Jean-Pierre Falret publishes a description of a severe form of the disorder, which he terms "folie circulaire," marking it out as a distinct and separate disease.

"Manic-Depressive Insanity"

Emil Kraepelin, a German psychiatrist, conclusively defines "manic-depressive insanity" as a specific mental illness by describing its course and prognosis.

DSM Inclusion

The first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) includes the bipolar disorder for the first time.

Terminology Change

The DSM-III replaces "manic-depressive insanity" with the modern term "bipolar disorder," marking a shift in how the medical community views and treats the condition.

First Bipolar Awareness Day

The earliest known celebration of bipolar awareness occurs, intended to increase understanding and reduce stigma related to the disorder.

Inaugural World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day is officially recognized for the first time, with March 30th chosen to honor the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, believed to have suffered from bipolar disorder.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Bipolar Day

Attend a support group

Attend a support group to learn more about bipolar disorder and to find a community of people who can relate to your experience. This is a great way to celebrate World Bipolar Day while connecting with others who may be going through a similar experience.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder and what it means to have it. Research the disorder and read books written by people who have experience living with bipolar disorder.

TALK

Talk to someone

Find a trusted friend or family member and talk to them about your bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to talk about, but it’s important to have someone you can open up to and share your feelings with.

WRITE

Write in a journal

Writing in a journal is a great way to express yourself and reflect on your feelings. Spend some time writing down your thoughts and feelings on World Bipolar Day.

TAKE

Take time for yourself

Take some time for yourself on World Bipolar Day. Spend some time in nature, practice yoga or meditation, or do something creative like painting or writing.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Bipolar Day is Important

Leading research into better treatment options

Finally, World Bipolar Day can also help lead to more research focused on developing new treatments for this condition. By bringing together scientists, medical professionals, patients, families and caregivers we can work more closely towards finding more effective ways to treat bipolar disorder.

Raising awareness about bipolar disorder

World Bipolar Day is an important day for raising awareness about bipolar disorder and destigmatizing mental illness. It's an opportunity to educate people about the condition, spread information about warning signs, and let those suffering from it know that they are not alone.

Creating a safe space for discussion

World Bipolar Day also helps create a space where individuals with the condition can openly discuss their experiences, struggles, and successes without fear of judgment. This safe space allows everyone to share their stories in a supportive environment, which leads to greater understanding and empathy among all involved.

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