BIPOLAR ME - a new play about mental health
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The population of the UK is around 66 million people.
Some facts from bipolaruk.org
As many as 5% of the UK population are somewhere on the bipolar spectrum, so that's around 3.3 million people in the U today suffering from this INVISIBLE AND OFTEN LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS.
On average it takes 10.5 years to receive a diagnosis for bipolar in the U.K.
Bipolar INCREASES THE RISK OF SUICIDE NY UP TO 20 TIMES
In fact, the world health organisation identified bipolar as one of the top causes suicide 15 to 44 year olds
Compared to other health problems, treatment of bipolar is still badly affected by misunderstanding and stigma.
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As a bipolar type 2 sufferer, I have felt that stigma. I have been afraid to tell my family, friends, clients how I was feeling for fear of being misunderstood, or branded as 'crazy. '
I have suffered debilitating periods of depression where ending my life seems the only logical ending to such pain, and periods of intense energy that have also negatively affected my life.
However after years of suffering, and living my life without knowing i was on the bipolar soectrum, eventually receiving the diagnosis and help I needed, I am now living a fulfilled, happy and generally stable life.
As an actor and writer I want to use my skills and experience to shed light on an often invisible illness.
In our current political and economical climate, NHS funding for mental health is being reduced and this is scary as it means that sufferers will not receive the support they need. For example the NHS mental health unit I go to is closing down. It is vital more people with bipolar feel safe to seek help as without it, deaths by suicide are likely to increase.
Please donate to my crowdfunder so that I can put on my play BIPOLAR ME which is based on my own journey of being diagnosed with bipolar type 2.
Some facts from bipolaruk.org
As many as 5% of the UK population are somewhere on the bipolar spectrum, so that's around 3.3 million people in the U today suffering from this INVISIBLE AND OFTEN LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS.
On average it takes 10.5 years to receive a diagnosis for bipolar in the U.K.
Bipolar INCREASES THE RISK OF SUICIDE NY UP TO 20 TIMES
In fact, the world health organisation identified bipolar as one of the top causes suicide 15 to 44 year olds
Compared to other health problems, treatment of bipolar is still badly affected by misunderstanding and stigma.
************************************************************
As a bipolar type 2 sufferer, I have felt that stigma. I have been afraid to tell my family, friends, clients how I was feeling for fear of being misunderstood, or branded as 'crazy. '
I have suffered debilitating periods of depression where ending my life seems the only logical ending to such pain, and periods of intense energy that have also negatively affected my life.
However after years of suffering, and living my life without knowing i was on the bipolar soectrum, eventually receiving the diagnosis and help I needed, I am now living a fulfilled, happy and generally stable life.
As an actor and writer I want to use my skills and experience to shed light on an often invisible illness.
In our current political and economical climate, NHS funding for mental health is being reduced and this is scary as it means that sufferers will not receive the support they need. For example the NHS mental health unit I go to is closing down. It is vital more people with bipolar feel safe to seek help as without it, deaths by suicide are likely to increase.
Please donate to my crowdfunder so that I can put on my play BIPOLAR ME which is based on my own journey of being diagnosed with bipolar type 2.
Organizer
Ceri Sarah Ashe
Organizer
England