HEALTH chiefs want to raise awareness of bipolar disorder.

Doctors from Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCGs are educating residents on the symptoms of bipolar disorder and what treatments are available.

They said bipolar disorder affects mood swings and people who have the condition suffer from periods of depression.

This will make them feel very low and they will experience periods of mania, where they feel very high and overactive.

The message comes ahead of World Bipolar Day which takes place on March 30.

It aims to raise awareness of the disorder and to help fight the stigma associated with the condition.

Dr Rakesh Sharma clinical lead at the CCGs, said: “Bipolar disorder is a fairly common condition, it can occur at any age and it can affect men and women from all backgrounds. “Those who are affected by bipolar suffer extreme mood swings, they experience highs and lows. To prevent symptoms of mania and depression occurring, there is medication available to stabilise the mood swings, as well as the Samaritans, who are free to call 24 hours a day.

“Not only this, I would strongly encourage people to visit their GP, to find out what treatment is best for them.”