Transforming the Bipolar Landscape

A Documentary Film Based on the Book by Sara Schley

About the Film

Inspired by Sara Schley’s searing memoir of life on the bipolar spectrum, the BrainStorm documentary opens up a timely and crucial conversation about diagnosis and treatment to save lives, maximize healing, and end stigma for millions of people around the globe who live with bipolar, and all those who love them.

BrainStorm follows six compelling people living with bipolar in their journey from devastation to recovery. The film connects their experiences with the latest bipolar brain science to shed light on potential causes and successful treatments.

Partner with Us

Bring BrainStorm to your community through a screening or speaking engagement featuring storytellers and experts from the film, and spark lasting transformation for those living with bipolar disorder.

Support the Mission

BrainStorm will save lives by expanding awareness of the bipolar spectrum and demonstrate how the right treatments can allow every person with bipolar to unlock their fullest potential and thrive. Please join us in this important mission!

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 4% of the world’s population — 320 million people — and yet it is misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and stigmatized. The impact for people who live with bipolar can be catastrophic: incarceration, homelessness, financial ruin, addiction, and suicide. However, bipolarity can be diagnosed and treated properly. BrainStorm gives people living with bipolar, their families, and healthcare providers the knowledge and tools they need for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hear What people are saying

“For the longest time, I was in that place of closeted shame. …I believe there’s such a need to spotlight what bipolar disorder is, what it isn’t, how it can present, and how it can best be treated.”

 

 — Dr. Devika Bhusan, former acting Surgeon General of CA and BrainStorm character

BrainStorm is truly a magnificent documentary; I am so honored and proud to be part of it! The film educates, inspires, and fosters empathy while advancing public understanding of one of psychiatry’s most complex illnesses.”

 

— Dr. Holly Swartz, President, International Society for Bipolar Disorders