LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 30, 2016, as Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Bipolar Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 30, 2016, as Bipolar
Disorder Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Bipolar Day; and
WHEREAS, This year's theme is "More Than A Diagnosis", which is meant
to show the public that individuals who live with bipolar disorder are
more than their diagnosis; they are capable of living full, successful
lives, despite and in spite of their diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, In addition, people who live with bipolar disorder are
encouraged to remember that they can accomplish great things even though
they have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder; and
WHEREAS, World Bipolar Day (WBD) will be celebrated each year on March
30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed
as probably having bipolar disorder; and
WHEREAS, The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar
disorders and eliminate social stigma; through international collab-
oration, the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world population
information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensi-
tivity towards the illness; and
WHEREAS, Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that represents a
significant challenge to patients, health care workers, family members
and our communities; and
WHEREAS, While growing acceptance of bipolar disorder as a medical
condition, like diabetes and heart disease, has taken hold in some parts
of the world, unfortunately the stigma associated with the illness is a
barrier to care and continues to impede early diagnosis and effective
treatment; and
WHEREAS, Mental illnesses have historically been misunderstood, feared
and therefore stigmatized; the stigma is due to a lack of education,
mis-education, false information, ignorance, or a need to feel superior;
and
WHEREAS, Its effects are especially painful and damaging to one's
self-esteem; it leaves people with mental illnesses feeling like
outcasts from society; and
WHEREAS, Whether the perceived stigma is real or not, it is the
subjective interpretation that affects the person's feelings of belong-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Like most groups who are stigmatized, there are many myths
surrounding mental illness; and
WHEREAS, In order to address the disparity in how bipolar disorder is
viewed in different parts of the world, the Asian Network of Bipolar
Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the
International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) came together to work
on the concept of a world bipolar day; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 30, 2016, as

Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of World Bipolar Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD); the International
Bipolar Foundation (IBPF); and the International Society for Bipolar
Disorders (ISBD).