Mind Cymru is calling on the next Welsh Government to invest in anti-stigma programmes after research found the number of people willing to work alongside someone with a mental health problem in Wales continues to fall.
The charity is making the call on World Bipolar Day after its latest Big Mental Health Report found the number of colleagues willing to accept someone with a mental health problem within the workplace has declined in the space of four years.
A national poll from YouGov published in 2025 also shows a general lack of education and awareness around serious mental illnesses, including bipolar, which three quarters of respondents in Wales identified as being a ‘big problem’.
World Bipolar Day takes place on March 30th every year to help bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and to eliminate social stigma and discrimination.
Mind Cymru says there is an ongoing need to tackle mental health stigma, with the upcoming Senedd Elections offering a key opportunity in making sure it becomes a renewed focus for future leaders in Wales.
Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind Cymru, said: “Awareness days are crucial in helping others to understand what living with a mental health problem is really like and we have to use these opportunities to drive real change for people.
“The Senedd Elections taking place in just a few weeks’ time, and with that comes a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health in Wales.”
“That’s why Mind Cymru is calling on the next Welsh Government this World Bipolar Day to prioritise mental health in Wales and renew its commitment to tackling stigma around mental health through stronger partnerships across the NHS, communities and the third sector too,” he added.
Around 50,000 people in Wales are thought to be living with bipolar disorder, a mental health problem that mainly affects a person’s mood.
Wales’ national campaign to end mental health stigma, Time To Change Wales, meanwhile launched in 2012 to help tackle attitudes towards serious mental illnesses including bipolar, before closing in 2025 .
During that time, Mark Smith worked as a Volunteer Champion for the programme, helping to tackle stigma within communities, supporting others to share their experiences and campaigning in the media for around 13 years.
Mark, who was diagnosed with bipolar in his mid-30s after a decade of being treated for depression and anxiety, said: “I think bipolar is a very misunderstood illness, and more needs to be known and understood about it.
“Anti-stigma is mentioned in the 10-year Mental Health Strategy for Wales, but not the commitment to fund a dedicated campaign. I worry it will stop people reaching out for help because they feel stigmatised.”
People living with bipolar are likely to have times where they experience manic or hypomanic episodes, periods of depressive and low mood, and potentially psychotic symptoms.
Mind also provides a safe space for anyone to talk about their mental health with advisors who are trained to listen, and help find specialist support if needed, through its dedicated Support Line on 0300 102 1234 (available 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday).
