To mark World Bipolar Day, The Royal is launching a new Bipolar Disorder Educational Video Series, offering clear, evidence‑based information to help individuals and their families better understand and manage the mental illness.
Developed under the leadership of Dr. Kelsey Collimore, a Clinical Psychologist at The Royal and Clinical Investigator at The Royal’s Research Institute, this series was developed to bridge gaps in care and expand access to health information. The video series was co-designed with patients, families, and clinical staff. Their insights shaped the topics, language, and delivery of each video—ensuring the content responds directly to what people living with bipolar disorder say they need most. Additionally, the videos are based on proven methods that help people manage the disorder.
The video series tackles topics including the importance of taking medication, how to recognize when symptoms are returning, healthy habits and managing stress, and coping strategies for dealing with mood episodes.
“Health education is a foundational element of treatment for bipolar disorder,” said Dr. Collimore. “When people understand what they’re experiencing, they can better manage their symptoms, and this can lead to improved outcomes. This series delivers high-quality and evidence-based information in a format that’s easy to access and return to time and again.”
By bringing research directly into everyday care, this series translates evidence-based discoveries into useful guidance that helps people make informed choices and feel more confident when managing their own mental health.
“A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be daunting but when partnered with good education, the road to recovery can be made easier,” said Glenda O'Hara, a Client Advisor at The Royal, and a collaborator on this clinical research project. “These videos will help people feel less alone as they navigate their diagnosis and work to reclaim their lives from mental illness.”
Created using cutting-edge AI as a support tool, with video production guided by a digital learning specialist, the series blends innovation, clinical expertise, and the voices of people with lived experience. The educational content was written by the clinical research team and is grounded in evidence-based health information protocols. The videos are designed for anyone seeking trustworthy information about bipolar disorder, whether receiving care at The Royal, across Canada, or around the globe.
The English‑language series is now available to watch on The Royal’s YouTube channel.
This knowledge translation project was made possible through a donor‑funded Translation of Research into Care (TRIC) grant. This program was designed by The Royal’s Research Institute (IMHR), and supports initiatives that help move new discoveries into clinical practice sooner, so patients can benefit from the latest approaches to evidence-based care.
Media contact
Alyssa Nader, Communications Specialist, The Royal, anader@theroyal.ca
About The Royal
The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental illness and addiction treatment, research, and education hospitals, dedicated to supporting individuals aged 16 and older who are living with complex mental illness and addiction. Since opening in 1910, The Royal has grown into a trusted resource for people across eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.
With campuses in Ottawa and Brockville, and clinical teams working directly in homes and communities, The Royal delivers compassionate, evidence-informed care grounded in cutting-edge research, including through its partnership with the University of Ottawa and other academic and community partners. Its integrated model brings together care, research, education, and strategic partnerships to help build a future of recovery.
At The Royal, we separate the person from the illness, helping more people reclaim their lives.
