Hannah Hardy-Jones

• Hardy-Jones has publicly identified herself as living with Bipolar I disorder. She has said that her first manic episode began after the birth of her first child in 2013 and lasted about six weeks. After the mania subsided, her psychiatrist diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. [4][1]

• Hardy-Jones has described the 2013 manic episode as involving very little sleep, racing thoughts, intense energy and a sense that she could accomplish almost anything. She was treated at home with carers providing support day and night. [4]
• After the mania subsided, Hardy-Jones experienced three serious bouts of depression. She said the depression left her barely able to function and made everyday life and caring for her baby extremely difficult. [4]

• Hardy-Jones has described medication as central to managing Bipolar I disorder. She also pays particular attention to sleep and has a plan for seeking help or prioritizing rest when her sleep becomes disrupted. [1]
• She has said that support from family, clinicians and other people around her has also been important in helping her manage the condition over time. [1]

• Hardy-Jones has said that it took about two years after her initial illness to recover enough to return to work. She later described her life as “full and happy” and said she no longer lived with the constant fear of relapse, while continuing to actively manage Bipolar I disorder. [1]

• Hardy-Jones has spoken publicly about living with Bipolar I disorder and has said that greater openness can reduce stigma around serious mental illness. She has shared her experience through talks, interviews and writing, including discussion of postpartum bipolar disorder and the effect of diagnosis on her identity and work. [4]
• She is also a member of The Stability Network, a group of professionals who speak publicly about living and working with mental-health conditions in order to challenge stereotypes and encourage earlier support. [1]

“Recovery is possible.”

— Hannah Hardy-Jones [1]