Bipolar Babe flaunts third variety show
On Nov.17, the Bipolar Disorder Society of B.C. (BDSBC) will light up the often dark and confusing issue of mental health with a night of comedy, music and fashion at the Victoria Event Centre.
The Bipolar Babe Benefit, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at 1415 Broad Street, is BDSBC's third annual benefit, and all proceeds support the society's work on educating the community about mental health.
BDSBC's president and founder, Andrea Paquette, also known as "Bipolar Babe," began the charity in 2009 after coming to terms with her own bipolar disorder. Bipolar Babe is a superhero character that Paquette conceived whose superpower is "stomping out stigma.”
Part of the society's plan is to eliminate the many misconceptions that people have about bipolar and other mental disorders, including the idea that individuals with a condition should just "snap out of it." BDSBC holds presentations at schools, workplaces and other community organizations to promote understanding and acceptance of those with mental health issues.
Paquette, who was diagnosed in 2004, shares her personal story with bipolar disorder at these presentations and hopes to inspire others to share their own.
"I used to feel shameful and devastated, but with creating Bipolar Babe I have learned that even though there may be negative attitudes in the world, the only one that I can control is my own," Paquette writes on her website. "I also want to share [my story] with the curious ones and create a world of acceptance and freedom where we can all just be ourselves."
BDSBC also has a youth support group that helps individuals manage their mental health issues and improve their quality of life.
This event will feature a fashion show, musical performances by local singers Diane Pancel and Stephanie Greaves and comic relief by members of another stigma-fighting group called Stand Up for Mental Health.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 at Mangos Boutique, Hemp & Co., or via e-mail at babe@bipolarbabe.com. Interested persons may also sponsor youth to attend the benefit.
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henry low Nov. 18, 2011, 6:48 p.m.
This was a very well written article , I commend the writer for bringing this subject to the forefront. I have witnessed 2 people that had this order and unfortunately ended their lives so young. Although they knew they had this disorder, it was horrible that the demon within them won over. I think with this article the people who are afflicted with this syndrome will come forward and feel they are not alone and that they should seek help. My god these young people who are cursed with this with the likes of Jim Carrey, Robin Williams just to name a few famous people who have this disorder, why do they not go for treatment before its too too late. My two bipolar people were quite aware of their disorder and yet they succumbed to the devil that took their lives.