A Bipolar Challenge

[Barzel]

I have been pleased recently to see Demi Lovato talk about her bipolar disorder, as well as Stephen Fry. Even Billy Joel has spoken about his illness in years past. However, the media seems to be catching only glimpses of these reports; they are barely a blip on the radar of social media. There is one news story that has taken America (and dare I say the world) by storm:

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

I am thinking of doing my own "challenge" for bipolar disorder, very similar to the ice bucket challenge, but with a twist. Others have modified the challenge with unfired bullets, chili peppers, and other items to support their own causes, riding on the coattails of the success of the ALS ice bucket challenge. Consequently, I was thinking of what I could do to catch the attention of people.

When I think about bipolar disorder, I think about hot and cold, sad and happy, and similar comparisons. I have yet to come up with anything simple and safe to do, which is a problem. I don't want to dump a bucket of ice-cold water over my head, because that will be just like the ALS challenge.

Do y'all have any ideas of how a trend could begin on social media to raise bipolar awareness?

 

[CraftyTurtle]

I replied on the other thread - I'd like to see an extension/expansion of the "Are you okay?" campaign.

Front-line action, not silly stunts. Personally, I can't stand the ice-bucket thing. The emphasis is on the stunt, not the cause.
YOU can change someone's life TODAY by reaching out and asking "Are you okay?"
That's the challenge. It takes courage and humility to reach out. It's very personal. It makes you vulnerable. It is all too easy to ignore a depressed person, and leave the problem to someone else, cos it's "not my problem".

Just my thoughts.

 

[Loven God]

Good idea CraftyTurtle .

 

[quietpraiyze]

CraftyTurtle I could see your ideal working for those with depression but how would it work for bipolar?

Maybe something with a teeter totter, balancing beam, balancing something on your head, etc. I don't know...

 

[redblue22]

what is the goal?

 

[Barzel]

what is the goal?

The goal would be to raise awareness for bipolar disorder, as well as raising funding for bipolar research. The way the ice bucket challenge is supposed to work is, you either donate $100 to an ALS foundation, or you dump a bucket of ice-cold water over yourself. Some people elect to do both, some folks only donate; there's multiple variations.

In this case, the concept would be similar: donate, and/or do <whatever>. The question is, what is the <whatever.> I agree that it should be something about balance, but you don't want folks out there trying to balance on something and hurting themselves.

I'll have to give it more thought.