"Nothing has the ability to translate a story into public consciousness the way that films do. BrainStorm is massively, urgently needed." – Dr. Michael Berk, Deakin University
Create Change
BrainStorm is an unprecedented initiative that combines inspiring stories of people living with bipolar, cutting-edge science, and breakthrough treatments to crush the stigma, save lives, and maximize healing.
We are creating a one-hour broadcast documentary, a feature-length festival cut, several short educational films for targeted audiences, and a podcast.
The film will give viewers new knowledge and power to create real change in their lives, that offer the potential to move beyond devastation and despair to health and vitality.
The word “bipolar” conjures up images of wild highs, delusions, all-night sprees, and sudden mood crashes. But this manic-depressive behavior, also known as bipolar I disorder, exists only at one extreme end of what we now know as the “bipolar spectrum.” People whose brains fall elsewhere on the bipolar spectrum — bipolar II and others — experience severe, life-threatening depression, but do not exhibit classic mania.
"Why is it that bipolar II is always the neglected aspect of bipolar disorder? Two out of three people I meet who live with bipolar disorder do not have mania. If there was one area that’s in desperate need of literacy, it is bipolar spectrum, 100%." – Dr. Roger McIntyre, University of Toronto
One out of four people who are diagnosed with depression actually have a bipolar brain.
"Why is it that bipolar II is always the neglected aspect of bipolar disorder? Two out of three people I meet who live with bipolar disorder do not have mania. If there was one area that’s in desperate need of literacy, it is bipolar spectrum, 100%." – Dr. Roger McIntyre, University of Toronto
Dangerous Misdiagnoses
Yes, bipolar without mania does exist.
And since bipolar II depression can look so much like classic depression, misdiagnosis is rampant.
One out of three people who are diagnosed with depression actually have a bipolar brain – and the antidepressant drugs they are prescribed can lead to dangerous and even lethal consequences.
Devastating Consequences
On average, it takes over 11 years for patients to get a correct diagnosis of bipolar II. In the meantime, they are suffering and dying. They are among the addicted, the incarcerated, the homeless, the suicidal. People with any form of bipolarity are twice as likely to take their own lives as those with classic depression.
They are our friends and our family.
"People need to know about Bipolar II, which doesn’t involve intense manic episodes. Taking antidepressants alone for this condition can have disastrous consequences. This film should be required viewing for everyone, and particularly for anyone who thinks they 'just' have depression. BrainStorm will most likely make you better informed than your doctors!" –Terri Cheney, Author
There is hope.
"Spotlighting different stories of people who have learned how to live with this diagnosis and have thrived in spite of it, or because of it in many cases, is a really powerful and important charge as well that this film will do." – Dr. Devika Bhushan, former Acting Surgeon General of California
Living with Bipolar
As our many film characters can attest, it is possible to live a long, successful life with a bipolar diagnosis. BrainStorm will feature compelling people living with bipolar – physicians, entrepreneurs, artists, a military general, a presidential advisor, and more — who are leading rich and fulfilling lives.
Their stories provide inspiration and hope while erasing stigma and shame.
Transforming the Bipolar Landscape
With knowledge crucial for correct diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, BrainStorm will save lives by expanding awareness of the bipolar spectrum and demonstrating how the right treatments can allow every person with bipolar to unlock their fullest potential and thrive. Please join us on this important mission!