TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
How do I talk about my mental health?
Putting your feelings into words is sometimes difficult. It’s perfectly normal to be worried that you might say the wrong thing or explain it badly. It’s also natural to feel anxious that your loved one or friend might think your mental health is worse than you might feel it is.
Try not to worry – talking about your mental health is incredibly important when it comes to getting the right support for you and with the right preparation the conversation can be easier than you think it might be. Here are a few tips on how to talk about your mental health.
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World Bipolar Day 2022
Wednesday 30th March 2022
Each year World Bipolar Day takes place on the 30th of March and is designed to raise awareness worldwide of bipolar conditions. March the 30th is the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day works to eliminate social stigma whilst providing information to educate people and improve sensitivity towards the illness.
Bipolar disorder affects a person’s mood, which can swing from one extreme to the other, with someone suffering from the disorder having episodes of depression or mania. People living with bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, tend to have their lives significantly disrupted as it can impact on a person’s ability to function. There are however several medications that can help to treat it.
"You could have symptoms of bipolar disorder for some time before a doctor diagnoses you. A doctor might say you have something else such as depression before you get a bipolar disorder diagnosis. This is because diagnosing mental illnesses can be sometimes difficult for doctors. They usually can’t do things like blood tests and scans to help them."
Experts don’t know for sure why some people experience bipolar disorder. Your genetics can play a part and your experiences too. If any of your family members have experienced bipolar disorder, you’ve more change of developing it too. But scientists say no single gene can be linked to bipolar disorder.
If you think you have Bipolar disorder the usual first step to getting help is to speak to your GP. It can help to keep a record of your moods. This can help you and your GP to understand your mood swings.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it affects everyone differently. Also, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be experienced by people who have other mental illness diagnoses. It can take a long time to get a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.