Simon Kitchen
@SimonKitchen20
CEO of Bipolar UK. Northumbrian. Tweets about mental health, history, policy and the North East. Views my own.
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. sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/…
75% of people with bipolar rely on PIP to manage essential health costs. Cutting this isn't reform it's cruelty.
Over 75% say stigma remains high around bipolar. It's time to challenge the myths and listen to real voices.
63% of people with bipolar have lost a job due to their condition. Let's make workplaces work for everyone.
We need reform not punishment. Bipolar support must be compassionate, flexible and grounded in reality.
It takes 9.5 years, on average, to get a bipolar diagnosis in the UK. That's 9.5 years too long. We'll keep on saying it until it changes.....
People with bipolar can live full, rewarding lives but only with the right support.
1 in 2 people with bipolar say benefit assessments have pushed them toward crisis. That's a broken system.
Bipolar UK's FOI requests show a worrying lack of data and specialised care across Welsh health boards.
A diagnosis of bipolar isn't binary. Support shouldn't be either. Some people have multiple conditions and changing needs.
I'm proud that Bipolar UK are building a future where bipolar is no longer misunderstood. Join us.
Bipolar UK are calling for a national bipolar care pathway, like the Early Intervention in Psychosis, model to cut crises and save lives.
People with bipolar face a 20x higher risk of suicide. Removing PIP support isn't just unfair, its dangerous.
24% of people with bipolar haven't told anyone at work they have bipolar. Stigma still silences.
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.
Flexible hours. Guilt-free time off. Trained managers. These aren't luxuries, they're lifelines for people with bipolar.
1 in 2 people with bipolar say benefit assessments have pushed them toward crisis. That's a broken system.
Only 7% of people with bipolar feel supported by the DWP. That's not just a stat. That's systemic failure.
Without proper data, bipolar services can't improve. We're calling for better tracking and accountability.
Our community tells us: “Only someone with bipolar can truly understand it.” Lived experience matters.