IBPF Receives Congressional Resolution for World Bipolar Day

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) is receiving a Congressional resolution on March 23 for encouraging those living with bipolar disorder and their families to participate in World Bipolar Day on March 30, 2016, through their annual social media campaign. The campaign is intended to educate the public about bipolar disorder and to end the stigma associated with mental illness.

The resolution, drafted by Congressman Tim Murphy (R) of Pennsylvania's 18th District and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D) of Michigan's 12th District, will be presented at a press conference on March 23 from 10 a.m. (EST) to Noon (EST) in Meeting Room 2322 (third floor) of the Rayburn Building of Congress located at 45 Independence Ave. SW (between 1st St SW and South Capitol Street) Washington, D.C.

Appearing in support of the resolution, will be members of the cast from the recently released movie "Touched With Fire" that highlights the lives of two poets with bipolar disorder and was written by Paul Dalio, produced by Spike Lee and starring actors including Katie Holmes, Luke Kirby and Christine Lahti.

Also, on hand for the bipartisan mental health event, will be Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD, Andrew A. Nierenberg, MD of Harvard Medical School, Pete Earley, former Washington Post and Chad Daversa, of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD).

"Last year more than 208 heartfelt messages created by those in the worldwide bipolar community were viewed by millions of people around the world in a single day," explains IBPF Executive Director Lori Butler. "We hope to increase our viewership even more in 2016 and work towards our vision of a world with wellness, dignity, and respect for all people living with bipolar disorder."

World Bipolar Day, is a collaborative initiative of IBPF, the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (AMBD) and the (ISBD), with a goal to increase awareness, knowledge and sensitivity about bipolar disorder.

IBPF has asked individuals to submit a photo or video of themselves that expresses this year's theme. Each participant and also others who donate will receive a campaign sticker featuring the phrase "#MoreThanADiagnosis" which includes information about eliminating stigma.

IBPF is a not for profit organization whose mission is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education.

Contact: Lori Butler, Executive Director
International Bipolar Foundation
858-764-2496/760-224-2074
[email protected]

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SOURCE International Bipolar Foundation