Understanding Bipolar Disorder

30 March 2026

March 30 marks World Bipolar Day, a time to raise awareness and fight the stigma associated with this condition. At Satellite, we shine a light on this day to acknowledge the children and young people experiencing its impact within their families.

What’s is bipolar disorder?

*Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that chronically affects moods. People who experience bipolar disorder may have varying degrees and frequency of mood changes.

There are different types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar II disorder
Cyclothymia
Rapid cycling bipolar
Bipolar with mixed features
Bipolar with seasonal pattern
Unspecified bipolar

You can read more about each type on the Mind website.

Support and Treatment

With appropriate support and treatment, a person with bipolar disorder can live a full and productive life.

Some of the common treatments are:

Seeing a psychiatrist
Taking medication prescribed by a professional
Seeing a psychologist
Education for family and friends
Accessing peer support

Ways to support your loved one

There are many ways you can support a family member with bipolar disorder:

Be inclusive of people with bipolar disorder in social situations, at home, at school,
and in the workplace.
Reduce stigma by having open and honest conversations.
Respecting boundaries and listen to what the person you’re supporting prefers.
Avoid minimising people’s personal experiences.
Listen rather than give advice.
Ask open questions to learn more about how the family member you support is feeling.
Encourage your loved one to seek support and treatment.
Avoid being judgmental or critical.

Building awareness and reducing stigma

Each of us can help break the stigma by educating the people around us about this illness, starting with:

Encouraging your friends to learn more about bipolar disorder.
Having open conversations about bipolar disorder and mental health in general.
Supporting family members with kindness and empathy.
Talking openly and accurately about bipolar disorder.
Challenging negative stereotypes.
Using respectful language.

Most importantly, look after yourself

It’s important not to forget about yourself. Find someone you trust to talk about it. A support group may also help you better understand ways to support your loved one and yourself. Be kind to yourself, you’re doing your best, and you should be proud of that.

Find support available

If you’re a young person supporting a family member experiencing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. There are spaces like Satellite where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through and find help together.

Visit our What’s On page to explore workshops that support peer connection for young people navigating family mental health challenges.

We acknowledge that we are not a clinical service; however, we can provide information to support the wellbeing of children and young people experiencing mental health challenges. This article offers general information about bipolar disorder and is not intended to replace a formal diagnosis.

*Definition from https://www.mhfa.com.au/resources-support/articles/supporting-someone-with-bipolar-disorder