Simon Kitchen
@SimonKitchen20
Followers
1K
Following
616
Media
63
Statuses
2K
CEO of Bipolar UK. Northumbrian. Tweets about mental health, history, policy and the North East. Views my own.
Northumberland
Joined July 2022
This is probably one the most comprehensive studies into bipolar and suicide in the UK. Though it only covers those in contact with mental health services and with a known bipolar diagnosis. Less than half the people with bipolar have a diagnosis and around a third of our.
Our 2025 report @NCISH_UK highlights #suicideprevention priorities for clinical care:. •safety on wards & after hospital discharge .•optimum treatment for bipolar disorder.•patients who are losing contact.•bereavement anniversaries.
7
27
64
A diagnosis of bipolar isn't binary. Support shouldn't be either. Some people have multiple conditions and changing needs.
0
0
4
I'm proud that Bipolar UK are building a future where bipolar is no longer misunderstood. Join us.
0
0
6
Bipolar UK are calling for a national bipolar care pathway, like the Early Intervention in Psychosis, model to cut crises and save lives.
2
2
25
People with bipolar face a 20x higher risk of suicide. Removing PIP support isn't just unfair, its dangerous.
0
4
21
24% of people with bipolar haven't told anyone at work they have bipolar. Stigma still silences.
2
3
20
Employers, policymakers, society, we ALL have a role to play in creating a bipolar-friendly world. It is possible for everyone living with bipolar to have a great life.
0
1
3
Flexible hours. Guilt-free time off. Trained managers. These aren't luxuries, they're lifelines for people with bipolar.
1
3
21
1 in 2 people with bipolar say benefit assessments have pushed them toward crisis. That's a broken system.
4
11
72
Only 7% of people with bipolar feel supported by the DWP. That's not just a stat. That's systemic failure.
1
4
18
Without proper data, bipolar services can't improve. We're calling for better tracking and accountability.
0
3
9
Our community tells us: “Only someone with bipolar can truly understand it.” Lived experience matters.
2
7
21
Bipolar UK found that 76% of people believe society does not understand what it's like to live with bipolar.
2
1
7
🕰️ Has stigma improved? Yes - a bit.In the past 5 years, our community says:.🟢 52% see improvement.⚪ 37% say nothing’s changed.🔴 11% say it’s gotten worse. Think positive. Things are getting better but we have a long way to go.
4
3
9
Bipolar UK calls for all DWP assessors to receive mental health training—specifically on fluctuating conditions. Only 27% of people felt their assessor understood bipolar.
21
121
535
Bipolar UK found that 65% of respondents believe people are afraid of those with bipolar. That fear is rooted in misunderstanding.
3
6
36
When asked about stigma, less than 7% of people with bipolar believe most people would be accepting. We can and must do better.
0
3
8
1 in 2 people with bipolar tell us, “Some will judge, some won’t.” That uncertainty is painful.
1
1
7
Our community tells us that over 60% fear most or everyone would think less of them if they disclosed their diagnosis. Bipolar stigma needs to stop.
1
3
13
🧠 Today we held a powerful event at the Senedd to spotlight the urgent need for better data and care for people with bipolar in Wales. I was proud to be joined by @ceri_ashe , Bipolar UK ambassador, and Senedd MS/AS @GarethDaviesVoC. 🔍 Our "Mapping the Gaps" report reveals how
1
2
3
Binary benefit rules don’t work for fluctuating conditions. Someone might cook today and be unable to leave bed tomorrow. Support must reflect that.
12
57
258