Deakin hosts 'ask me anything' event for World Bipolar Day in Geelong

A Geelong event is aiming to bust the stigma around mental illness with a special 'ask me anything' panel session as part of celebrations around World Bipolar Day.

Deakin University's Centre for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT SRC) will host the Q and A session at 6pm on Monday 1 April at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.

Event organiser Associate Professor Olivia Dean said World Bipolar Day, traditionally marked on 31 March, aimed to raise awareness of bipolar disorder and eliminate the social stigma that may surround mental illness.

"Our event will provide an overview of the mental health condition as well as an update on new research in the space," Associate Professor Dean said.

"The audience will hear from a panel of experts and then the floor will be open to questions."

Associate Professor Dean said it was the third year IMPACT SRC had formally celebrated World Bipolar Day and the group was excited to see members of the local community attend and support mental health.

"If you have any unanswered questions about bipolar disorder, this is the forum to attend," she said.

"Mental illness affects one in five people and bipolar disorder is more common than people often realise. Celebrating World Bipolar Day is a great way to open discussions, inform people and embrace a positive attitude to mental health."

The event will begin with guest speaker Neil Cole, an award-winning playwright, mental health researcher, and former Victorian politician.

His address will be followed by presentations from expert panellists: world leader in bipolar research and Director of IMPACT SRC Professor Michael Berk, Chief Executive Officer of Headspace Jason Trethowan, and expert by experience Matthew Dale.

There will also be educational tables set up with information about local services, support groups and programs.

Tickets are free and can be booked at https://wbd2019qa.eventbrite.com.au/.