Actress and producer April Kelley was just 27 when she was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder—despite exhibiting symptoms as early as age 15. Her story is a familiar one for many, as the average time to diagnosis for bipolar disorder can be nearly a decade. During this prolonged period, individuals often face serious risks to their careers, relationships, and well-being.
At the launch of Bipolar UK’s latest awareness campaign, inspired by her documentary Maybe It’s Bipolar, April opened up about the profound impact of getting a diagnosis. “My diagnosis was a lifeline, and I believe it saved my life,” she revealed. “For 12 years, I didn’t know what was happening to me. I missed out on my early 20s—those crucial years. Now, I’m making up for lost time, but everything changed once I got my diagnosis.”
Motivated by her younger self, April dedicates her work to raising awareness and breaking the stigma around bipolar disorder. “Speaking out isn’t just bravery for me—it’s a message to the scared and lonely 15-year-old I once was,” she said. “If I could talk to her now, I’d say, ‘Hold on tight. The light will come, and you’ll find the strength to fight.’ When I told my dad about my diagnosis, he said, ‘I always knew there was a spark of genius in you.’ That spark was always there.”
READ MORE: Winning EuroMillions numbers: National Lottery results with Thunderball on Friday, November 28, 2025
READ MORE: “It’ll be a different side to the one they beat last year" - Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage ahead of Southend United
Sleep patterns, April emphasizes, are a crucial indicator of mood shifts for those with bipolar disorder. “Monitoring my sleep lets me know where I am emotionally. On low days, I might sleep for 14 hours straight—without even waking up. On high days, I barely sleep at all.”
She also underlines the importance of a supportive network: “If you can, tell someone when you feel off. I’ve said to friends, ‘I think I’m getting manic.’ They don’t always need to act, just knowing helps them watch out for me. If I slip up or make poor choices, they can step in.”
Bipolar disorder is more than mood swings between happiness and sadness; it involves intense, visceral highs and lows. “My low days feel like quicksand—I sink fast and deeply,” April explains. “My high days are like a constant vibration, like the instant adrenaline rush before you jump or flip over something. It’s exhausting and exhilarating.”
Despite the risks, April admits the highs can feel pleasurable, which can make diagnosis challenging. “During highs, I’m incredibly productive—I can accomplish a week’s work in one day. Why would I go to the doctor feeling that way?”
Bipolar UK reports that over half of people in the UK living with bipolar disorder remain undiagnosed. The charity’s campaign aims to raise awareness of subtle symptoms and offers a free online test to help people evaluate if they may have the condition.
For those affected, resources including 24/7 helplines and support groups are readily available for assistance and connection.