EDIT:LOOK! We’ve raised £2,240 for bipolar_uk ! THANK YOOOOUUUU!

Your generosity will make a big difference to people like me, who live with bipolar disorder

I set up my appeal because I didn’t want anyone to feel as alone as I did when diagnosed at 19. I also want to end stigma: mental illness should be seen no differently than physical ailments. Do you agree?

WHAT NEXT?

I’ve set a new target of £2,350 - so if you can spare even £1, or share, I’d be made up!

The crown’s taking a break - but you can follow my progress on Instagram where I’m @polly_wiseman & Twitter where I’m @firecrazee

My Story

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type 1 when I was 19 - meaning I experience episodes of both mania & depression. I spent the next few years in & out of hospital & nearly lost my life a couple of times - and when I was well enough to try to put the pieces back together, it felt like there was nothing left & I was all alone.

Thankfully, over the years, I’ve found some stability, a career in theatre & now in my 40s, on top of medication, I’m well supported by a lovely partner, friends & family. I’m one of the lucky ones. The only thing that remains is to stop hiding my diagnosis, #endstigma & try to raise awareness of and funding for people diagnosed with bipolar who might not have the support I enjoy.

I’ve found Bipolar UK’s website www.bipolaruk.org very useful for info, their mood tracker app super-helpful in managing my condition & I really like the fact they offer peer support: it would have meant such a lot to me when I was a scared teenager.

So here’s what I’m going to do: for Mental Health Awareness Week. I acquired a fabulous handmade leather crown at a Mayday event which I’ll wear with my normal clothes, whilst living my normal life (meetings, workshops, supermarket etc) along with a badge that says Ask Me About My Crown! If people do, I’ll try to give them useful info about Bipolar & encourage them to donate to Bipolar UK.*

Times are hard, so I understand if you can’t afford to donate - but if you can, any amount will be hugely welcome. You can also help massively by sharing my appeal.

Thank you! You’re all legends!

Pol

*I am not a trained mental health worker and will make it clear I speak only from lived experience, whilst signposting to experts

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