Reflection by Professor Sue Cotton
I was honoured to speak at the World Bipolar Day 2025 fundraiser hosted by Bipolar Australia on March 29 at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The evening was a powerful convergence of lived experience and advocacy aimed at increasing awareness, acceptance, and funding for bipolar.
The event’s atmosphere was both celebratory and deeply moving. The “Blow Bubbles for Bipolar” group photo was a poignant reminder of the joy and resilience that can exist alongside the challenges of bipolar. The live auction and raffles not only raised vital funds but also symbolised the collective commitment to supporting those living with bipolar.
Sharing the stage with inspiring speakers like Tim Heffernan, Alice Martin, and Sarah Martin was a privilege. Their candid narratives highlighted the importance of integrating personal experiences into our understanding of bipolar disorder, emphasising early intervention, community support, and destigmatisation.
In my address, I emphasised the critical role of research in advancing our knowledge and highlighted the work of our dedicated multidisciplinary team at CORE-BD.
Events like this are a salient reminder of the need to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, ensuring our scientific endeavours translate into tangible benefits for those with bipolar. The evening reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration among researchers, clinicians, individuals with lived experience, and advocates. Together, we can challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and work towards a future where bipolar receives the research funding it deserves, and people are more readily able to access effective treatments.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bipolar Australia for organising such a meaningful event and to all attendees for their unwavering support and commitment to this cause.
