Every year on March 30, we observe World Bipolar Day to raise awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and encourage understanding of people with bipolar disorder. The date has particular significance, it was Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday. Having suffered from mental illness and receiving various treatments during his lifetime, the famous Dutch impressionist painter was posthumously believed to have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide, both those with the condition and those who love and support them. For employers, understanding bipolar disorder and fostering a supportive workplace can make a meaningful difference in employees’ lives while contributing to better outcomes for everyone.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Characterized by extreme mood swings, bipolar disorder includes alternating episodes of mania, in which people experience high energy, euphoria, and reduced sleep, followed by episodes of depression, low energy, hopelessness, and fatigue. Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, with some individuals experiencing rapid cycling between manic and depressive episodes, while others may have longer periods of stability between episodes. Symptoms, which can affect individuals’ emotional regulation and decision-making, may be brought on or worsened during periods of high stress.
Approximately 2.8% of the U.S. adult population (over 9 million adults) experience bipolar disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and an estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults will experience it at some point in their lifetime.
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can significantly impact all aspects of an individual’s life—their work, relationships, and basic daily activities. However, with proper treatment and workplace accommodations, individuals with bipolar disorder can thrive professionally and making meaningful contributions to their teams.
The Importance of Understanding Bipolar Disorder in the Workplace
Considering the prevalence of bipolar disorder, many organizations either currently have or will have employees affected by it, and employers must understand how to support them. Yet, despite its prevalence, widespread stigma and misconceptions about bipolar disorder still exist, leading to unnecessary barriers in professional settings. Employees may hesitate to disclose their condition due to fear of discrimination or misunderstanding.
Organizations can do a lot to change this dynamic. By promoting education and open discussions around mental health, companies can foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to seek the support they need. Additionally, providing robust and accessible mental health benefits and offering flexible work arrangements can help employees with bipolar disorder maintain their wellbeing and continue to contribute effectively.
How Employers Can Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and supports discussions around it benefits everyone. To better support employees with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions, employers can take the following steps:
- Encourage open conversations about mental health conditions. Promote an organizational culture that normalizes discussions about mental health conditions and mental wellbeing in general. This can include mental health awareness campaigns, educational programs about certain conditions, guest speakers, etc.
- Train HR and managers on mental health. Equipping managers with knowledge about various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, can help them understand when an employee may need support, respond with empathy, and further direct the employee to additional resources.
- Provide reasonable accommodations. Flexibility in work hours, remote work options, and quiet spaces for focus can help employees manage their symptoms effectively. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations should be offered to support employees with mental health conditions.
- Offer access to mental health resources and promote their use. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), like Journey’s Proactive EAP, provide valuable tools such as counseling, mental health assessments, mindfulness programs, and guided meditations. To reduce stigma and encourage employees to use them, employers should promote these programs regularly.
- Encourage work-life balance. Employees who have predictable schedules and manageable workloads are better able to maintain stability in their mental health. Encouraging breaks and personal time can prevent burnout and stress-related exacerbations with preexisting mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder.
Making Mental Health a Workplace Priority
World Bipolar Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support in the workplace. With the right accommodations and a culture of understanding, employees with bipolar disorder can succeed professionally while maintaining their mental health. Employers who prioritize mental health not only support their workforce but also cultivate a more resilient, productive, and engaged team all around.
