About us

Founded in

1950

The Team

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About us

The Italian Bipolar Association (AIBP) is the result of an inspiration born within the “Bipolar Salon”, a self-help group dedicated to discussions and sharing experiences between individuals with bipolar disorder. Our story originates from the initiative and determination of Chiara Cattaneo and Giuseppe Pitone.

Realizing the urgent need to provide reliable information and create a network of emotional support for those facing bipolar disorder, their families and loved ones, we decided to take action. In April, Vice President Eleonora Caiazza was called to direct this ambitious project. After months of tireless work and dedication, the Italian Bipolar Association (AIBP) was officially born, with its establishment taking place in May 2023.

Our vision is as clear as it is powerful: to operate with total transparency and actively involve our users in every decision-making process, collaborating with all possible associations on mental health in Italy and abroad. We want to create an environment where everyone can feel heard, understood and supported, and a place where associations and organizations can exchange useful ideas. The absence of a structured and serious organization in Italy to provide support to people with bipolar disorder and their families is what prompted us to undertake this mission.

Over the summer, we worked tirelessly to develop a training program for our volunteers, define strict protocols, ensure strict confidentiality, and create social media disclosure channels. Our website has been created with the intention of offering clear information and useful resources for anyone looking for support.

What makes us unique is the fact that we are an association born by people with bipolar disorder, for people with bipolar disorder. We know firsthand the challenges and fears related to this condition and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for everyone involved. Our story is still in the making, but it is fueled by passion, dedication and the desire to make a difference. We are grateful for every member of our community and professionals who want to join us in this mission of support, understanding, and acceptance.

Meet our team

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Chiara Cattaneo

President, Founder

Eleonora Caiazza

Vice President, Founder

Gabriela Stanciu

Secretary

Chiara Cattaneo

President, Founder

Eleonora Caiazza

Vice President, Founder

Gabriela Stanciu

Secretary

Our volunteers

Click on a photo to learn more.

Andrea

Supervisor

Nicola

Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups, Supervisor

Chiara

Moderator of Support Groups for Family Members

Alessandro

Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Arianna

Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Marco

Moderator of Support Groups for Family Members

Fabio

Content Creator

Caterina

Responsible for relations with Hospitals and Mental Health Centres

Fatima

Administrator (First Contact with User)

Federica

Volunteer for institutional work

Gianfranco

Administrator (First Contact with User)

Francesca

Moderator of Support Groups for Family Members

Laura

Volunteer

Stefania

Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Luca

Volunteer

Sabrina

Responsible for relations with Hospitals and Mental Health Centres

Domenica

Volunteer

Federica

Volunteer

Alice

Volunteer

Antonino

Volunteer

Filippo

Volunteer

Francesca

Volunteer

Giuseppe

Volunteer

Ida

Volunteer

Ilaria

Volunteer

Leandro

Volunteer

Jomel

Volunteer

Mara

Volunteer

Maria Vittoria

Volunteer

Mark

Volunteer

Orietta

Volunteer

Veronica

Volunteer

MENCAP project: the team

Megan

Michael

Nina

Eleonora

Chiara

Noera

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Chiara Cattaneo – President

Born on September 24, 1972.

Graduated in Dentistry in 1998 with a passion for smiles and dental health. In 2006, she specialized in orthodontics, becoming a reference point in this field. With over 8 years of voluntary service at the Misericordia Association, she has demonstrated her dedication to improving the lives of others.

Her greatest passion is however traveling, exploring the world, and discovering new cultures. In addition to her career in dentistry, she currently holds the chair of orthodontics at the University of Ngozi and directs the dentistry degree program.

Her personal story is characterized by strength and resilience. At the age of 16, she had the courage to seek help for her struggle with type 2 bipolar disorder, yet an accurate diagnosis only came at the age of 46. This personal experience inspired the creation of the association, a work born out of a deep need: to ensure that no person affected by bipolar disorder should go through what she experienced and that no one should ever feel alone, just as she felt.

The association’s motto is “All together so that no one shall ever feel alone again.”

An inspiration to all who know her story, Chiara Cattaneo leads the Association with passion and dedication, tirelessly working to support those battling bipolar disorder and promoting awareness and acceptance.

Eleonora Caiazza - Vice President

Eleonora Caiazza currently serves as the Vice President of the Italian Bipolar Association (AIBP). She was born in Milan in 1994 and lived abroad for 14 years before returning to Italy in 2023. Eleonora was diagnosed with type 1 bipolar disorder in 2015. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster in London and a Master’s in Clinical Neuroscience of Development from King’s College London, specializing in precision psychiatry, statistics, and research methods.

Her thesis on avoidable mortality among people with intellectual disabilities received a publication offer, and Eleonora garnered significant recognition during her academic journey, including a final nomination for the Hult Prize, a prestigious international award associated with the United Nations and described as the Nobel Prize for students.

Eleonora has clinical and research experience and is an advocate for neurodiversity and ethics in psychiatric research and practice. Currently, she is writing a book on mindfulness techniques and cognitive-behavioral strategies to improve personal well-being and interpersonal relationships. Her commitment to disseminating information and tools aimed at enhancing the lives of people with bipolar disorder and their families is a fundamental pillar of the Italian Bipolar Association (AIBP).

Gabriela Stanciu - Secretary

Gabriela Stanciu was born in 2003 in Romania and moved to Italy at the age of four. She is currently studying computer and automation engineering at the Polytechnic University of Bari. She is a representative of her course through the Ulisse Polytechnic Association and serves as the secretary of the Italian Bipolar Association.

Within the Association, she initially handled the maintenance of the website at both the front-end and back-end levels and managed technical issues within the Association. Later, she became a supervisor, supporting the board’s activities and assisting volunteers. Finally, in July 2024, she joined the Board of Directors as the secretary.

Gabriela was introduced to the world of technology at a young age, but she rediscovered her passion for computer science in high school when she began attending a PON course on block programming. During her high school years, she developed skills in web, procedural, and object-oriented programming.

In 2019, she participated in Arduino Day as a presenter.

In 2021, she participated in the NERD? Project, promoted by IBM in collaboration with UniBa and PoliBa, where she presented a chatbot developed on the IBM Cloud platform. Thanks to the project, she was ranked among the top 30 projects in Italy and had the opportunity to participate in a workshop. Additionally, the experience was showcased through a video in the “Storie di Alternanza” competition in the “PCTO at high schools” category, where it won first place.

In 2022, she participated as a reserve in CyberChallenge.IT at PoliBa, gaining skills in cybersecurity.

In 2023, she received a professional training certification as a Java Developer.

Besides technology, she is also passionate about singing, music, and poetry.

Gabriela was diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder and anxiety at the age of 20: from that moment on, she began a non-linear journey of awareness and care. Moreover, she joined the Association to try to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental disorders and help those who suffer from the same issue.

Andrea - Supervisor

I am Andrea Nicosia Class of 1994, Muay Thai Trainer and HR Human Resources Officer.

I have developed good communication, leadership, problem solving and decision making strategies. A strong reader and collector of psychology books, I am always oriented towards helping others. I have been living with Bipolarism since 2022. AIBP represents the set of values I have fought for all my life!

Nicola - Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups, Supervisor

This moderator doesn’t have a bio yet :)

Chiara - Moderator of Support Groups for Family Members

Hello everyone! I’m Chiara, 41 years old, living in Rome for 20 years, and proud sister of someone with bipolar disorder. My personal experience has led me to become a volunteer and active supporter of the AIBP project (Italian Bipolar Association), working to promote awareness and support for those living with this condition. I’m here to share stories, offer support, and promote understanding of the importance of mental health in our community. Our mission is support and growth.

Alessandro - Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Born in 1989, a bartender by profession and a writer by passion, Alessandro hails from Milan, where he currently resides. He has been living with schizoaffective disorder since the age of 15. With expertise in involuntary commitment (Tso), psychiatric wards, and community support, Alessandro brings a unique perspective to his work.

Arianna - Moderator of Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Hello! I’m Arianna and I’ve been involved in mental health for about ten years. During this complex and magical journey, thanks to some special encounters, I’ve become particularly close to bipolar disorder. I’m happy to be part of AIBP because, in addition to valuing bipolar disorder, it’s important to value the individuals and their families as well.

Marco - Moderator of Support Groups for Family Members

Marco Stoppini is a moderator of support groups for family members. After completing high school, he moved to London to attend London South Bank University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Media and Society. He returned to Italy in 2004 and pursued various professional activities in Italian companies. During a trip to Nepal in 2014, he encountered Buddhism and became fascinated by it. In 2018, he decided to leave his job to dedicate himself to the study of Buddhist philosophy and moved to a Tibetan monastery in southern France. There, he attended a four-year course on the study of Buddhist philosophy in the Indo-Tibetan Sanskrit tradition. For a period of two years, he was a Buddhist monk. For over a year now, he has been back in Italy, where he is considering continuing to cultivate his interest in the human psyche by starting to study psychology.

Fabio

Fabio, a writer of fantasy books or, as he likes to call himself, a “Transcriber” of magical stories and tales.
He is passionate about technology and theater.
At the age of 35, after a series of incorrect diagnoses, he discovered he has type 2 bipolar disorder with psychosomatic repercussions.
He started a TikTok channel where he talks about his experience and how the disorder has influenced his life.

Caterina

Degree in Political Science, I lived abroad for 4 years, I love traveling and getting to know new cultures, and I am a caregiver. I approached the association to seek help, information, and to feel less alone. Raising awareness among people and institutions about bipolar disorder is my desire.

Fatima

My life has been a series of misadventures and adventures. My goal is to bring even just a smile to someone’s life. I am 29 years old and always smile at life because those I have loved and who are no longer here have taught me this.

Federica

My name is Federica, and I have always been fascinated by the psyche, to the point that I made this field a part of my professional life. I firmly believe in peer support and in sharing experiences to tackle the challenges we sometimes face. AIBP embodies everything I believe in, and this is why I am part of it!

Gianfranco

Gianfranco Putzu, I have been with AIBP for several months, and from the very first moment, I realized I was entering a world that has been a part of me since 1994. I have just completed the first training course necessary to gain the essential insights needed to address the topic comprehensively. I have had the opportunity to meet the right people to embark on this journey and to both receive and give support. Naturally, this is just the beginning. I believe it will be a journey that will fulfill me both as a person and help me grow in my understanding of the condition (which is not my identity!!!).

Francesca

Hi, I’m Francesca. For most of my life, I thought that psychiatric disorders were “other people’s problems.” Then “the problem” came crashing into my home, and I could only choose whether to succumb or learn to live with it. I chose the latter option, of course.

In the darkest moment, I asked for help, and it was given to me. I spoke and was listened to, so I decided to learn to listen in turn. It helped me start living again and believe in the future.

Today, my future has arrived, thanks also to the many who listened to me, and it would be a crime not to share with others that the future exists… for everyone.

Laura

Hello, I’m Laura, and one thing you should know about me is that I am 52 years old, married, and have a husband and two children: Chiara, 24, and Mattia, 11. My family is a wonderfully unique mix, consisting of my husband, my children, my mother-in-law, my mother, my daughter’s partner, my brothers-in-law, my heart and blood nieces and nephews, my heart siblings, my relatives, and especially my 6 dogs, 12 cats, 1 chinchilla, 1 guinea pig, and 1 water turtle. I love music and being in the company of only genuine people. Betray my trust, and you’re out. I have learned to close doors that are empty and sterile. I love my job because working from home allows me to meet new people… Nice to meet you ❤ Oh, I almost forgot, I’m a bit of a chatterbox 🤣😂 but maybe you’ve already figured that out.

Stefania

Hi, I’m Stefania, I’m 48 years old, and I have had bipolar disorder for 25 years. I am a nurse and strongly believe in healthy lifestyles for a more serene life. I am a cyclist and kayaker, and I believe in loving oneself and others. Namaste 🙏 ❤️

Luca

Hi, I’m Luca, I’m 52 years old, and I have been suffering from type 1 bipolar disorder for 15 years. I work as a radiology technician and love cats, which have become my passion!

Sabrina

Hi, I’m Sabrina, I’m 46 years old, and I live in the province of Turin. I approached the Association because I experience bipolar disorder up close as a family member, and for many years, I felt alone. Finding this Association was my salvation, and I decided to be a part of it because I want to provide comfort to those who, like me, have felt powerless in the face of the disorder. Sharing our experiences helps increase awareness, and together it will be less difficult.

Domenica

Good morning, let me introduce myself. I will be turning 61 in a few weeks. I am a Healthcare Worker, and I work with children with disabilities and behavioral disorders. I love my job and find great satisfaction in helping children overcome their difficulties.

I have two children: my son recently got married, and I have a wonderful daughter-in-law whom I consider like a third daughter. My daughter is happily living with her partner. I am a very sensitive person and dedicate myself passionately to everything I do.

Music is a great passion of mine and helps me through difficult times. I often talk with my friends, who are few but always present and available. I love the sea, which gives me a sense of freedom. I learned crocheting from my sister, and I make small items for my daughter and my home. I am very particular about cleanliness and order, but I never miss an opportunity to go out with my friends.

I am surrounded by a wonderful family and, although we have faced challenges, with their support, I have managed to overcome them.

Federica

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Alice

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Antonino

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Filippo

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Francesca

Hello everyone, I am Francesca, born in 1980.
Creative, cinema and theatre lover. Devourer of books. I listen to music all day and all night. Proud human with two wonderful cats, Dobby and Severus Snape, who save my life every day.
I have been battling with mental health problems for over 30 years but have only been fully aware of them for a few years.
And it was at that point that I realised it was time to do something.
I read, I informed myself, I set my life in motion, until I discovered the Italian Bipolar Association, thanks to which I feel at home, safe, understood, understood.
My dream is to change the world’s view of those suffering from mental illness.
My dream is to ensure that no one has to feel ashamed of their daily struggle

Giuseppe

I am Giuseppe Brancato I am 31 years old and an actor.

Passionate about people, psychology and details, I like to listen and imagine what the eyes can say that the mouth does not always say.

AIBP is an opportunity, which has made me get to know, understand and value some aspects of my own person that were not well illuminated. I wish it were like that for many many people….

Ida

I am Ida De Vico, I am 25 years old and live in Cosenza.
I have a degree in Science and Techniques of Cognitive Psychology and currently study Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience at the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro.
I practice URBEX, I search for the peculiar, the non-ordinary.
I like succulent plants, cats, chameleons and I love Neuroscience in all forms.
I met and approached AIBP because of the strong spirit of support that has been my hallmark since childhood, helping those who need me most is a source of motivation and value style, as well as the passion I have for the Human Psyche. It is a foundation of my personality.
In AIBP I hope to have fun, meet people, support and grow, both humanly and professionally.
Space of Life and Humanity.
I hope to live up to it, provide destigmatisation, valuable information, awareness, Active Listening and Presence.

‘Everyone deserves a life worth living.’ (Marsha Linehan)

Ilaria

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Leandro

Leandro Lodi is a professional in the field of clinical psychology with an international academic and professional background. A graduate in Clinical Psychology from Sigmund Freud University in Vienna, he has enriched his training with specific courses and certifications from universities such as Harvard, with a specific focus on the epidemiology of trauma. He is registered as a psychologist in Lombardy and has completed a master’s degree in clinical sexology, developing a deep expertise in the area of relationships and psychological well-being.

With his experience and qualifications, Leandro is committed to providing support and tools to those facing mental health challenges. His approach integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, helping patients manage complex situations such as trauma, relationship difficulties and psychological disorders such as Bipolar.

Leandro Lodi is an active member of the Italian Bipolar Association (AIBP) and his contribution focuses on moderating support groups, raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people living with bipolar disorder and their families.

Jomel

In the last few years I have done many things, I have been many things. I have studied, I have learned, I have made mistakes… I have suffered. And it is precisely from this suffering that I have never given myself peace of mind. Of course, there have been times when I almost gave up, but, after recovering my strength from this ‘demon’, bipolar disorder, after learning how it works and acquiring knowledge to cope with it to the extent that I felt again the peace of mind I felt when I was a child, in those moments when I was lying on the bamboo bench in my home country, peering at the rays of the sun piercing through the branches and the leaves of the mango tree that made me squint with the wind, today I decided to do something in my own small way for those who have suffered and are suffering like me. I decided to give meaning to my suffering.
Hi, I am Jomel, and over the past few years I have done many things, I have been a drummer, I have been a runner, I have studied computer programming, I have been passionate about creative writing, and now… now I am also an AIBP volunteer.

Mara

I am Mara, 47 years old.
I love collecting emotions, which is why I have learnt over time to ‘carve out moments for my passions’ without feeling guilty as a mother and wife!
Amidst all the beautiful and exciting emotions, alas, I have also collected dark periods, which led me to this association.
As a family member I felt lost, I had no answers to my questions, I had no support and I was terrified at the idea of not being able to help my loved one who had been diagnosed with the disorder.
I have a great desire to help and share with mothers and family members all that I have learnt from my training and experience so that fewer and fewer people have to experience that feeling of dread, that sense of emptiness and fear of an unknown that we imagine to be insurmountable.
The biggest lesson? Learn to ask for help!

Maria Vittoria

Hello my name is Vittoria ( Vicky). I am 55 years old, and a 21 year old son.
My husband has bipolar disorder.
I was born and raised in German-speaking Switzerland, the daughter of Sicilian and Calabrian immigrants.
I am a very impulsive person, but sometimes thoughtful 😂 I have a lot of sense of humour but I am very serious in situations that require it.
I consider myself a positive person, who always tries to find at least one positive thing at the end of the day, even if the day has been like a tunnel without light.
I like to put down on paper what I cannot put into words.
I like to listen and try to help those who are in difficulty.
I love travelling and getting to know different cultures. Also, my passion is baking, and baking cakes relaxes me and makes me feel good.
My favourite team I don’t mention, but for me it has always been one for years😂
Reading is another passion of mine, and I also love the sea and the mountains.
Immersing myself in nature, taking walks in the woods regenerates me.
I like languages, apart from German which is my mother tongue, I would put English, Arabic and French (the one I remember 😂) in second place.
As my next language I am learning Spanish.
That’s me in a few lines😂

Mark

Actor, singer and choreographer who has long been involved in the organisation of charity events such as the annual MnP musical concert organised in cooperation with Teatro lo Spazio:
‘I am a great believer in protecting and fighting for the rights of all minorities. I have been lucky enough to live in both England and Canada where as an artist I have always been involved in volunteer initiatives. AIBP is bringing support to Italy for people with bipolar disorder and their families, and I am honoured and proud to be able to offer some of my time for this!

Orietta

Hello my name is Orietta, I am 55 years old and I am a teacher. I am an active person, I love the sea but also the mountains and nature in general. I decided to join the AIBP volunteer group because for the last 30 years, ever since the world of mental illness entered my family with its enormous burden of suffering, I have discovered that patients and family members are left alone to fight an unequal fight against a devious and pervasive evil and, something that does not usually happen with physical illnesses, they often have to bear additional burdens of inadequacy, guilt, incomprehension and shame. I firmly believe that confrontation, sharing and teamwork help to face daily challenges and to feel less alone, and that, by working together, it is possible to change things at both institutional and societal levels. My motto is: ‘Drop by drop you dig the rock’.

Veronica

This volunteer does not have a bio yet :)

Megan

Megan Chicaiza Carrion is currently one of the contributors/consultants for the MENCAP project. Megan was born in Genoa, has roots in Latin America, and moved to London in 2017 to complete her university studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Affective Disorders at the prestigious King’s College London, after graduating with honors in Psychology from London South Bank University.

Megan has extensive clinical and research experience with a variety of clinical populations, including individuals with neurological conditions, young people, and the elderly with a range of psychiatric conditions. In recent years, Megan has also contributed to research projects on the hospitalization of individuals with eating disorders and is conducting a systematic review on the impact of childhood trauma on cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with major depressive disorder. These experiences demonstrate her excellent skills in statistics and research methods, both qualitative and quantitative.

Megan works as a psychology assistant for an expert appraisal company, supporting the conduct and drafting of assessments on cognitive capacity and psychological well-being for family law, civil law, and criminal law proceedings. Additionally, Megan collaborates as a research assistant on a project to develop a new care pathway for individuals with early-onset dementia within the National Health Service in the UK.

Her dedication to making mental healthcare more accessible and inclusive drives her to support the MENCAP project, translating this commitment into psychiatric care provided in Italy, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals in Italian society.

Michael

My name is Michael, and I’m the husband of a bipolar woman. I’ve learned that living alongside someone with this condition is a complex journey, but also one rich in understanding, empathy, and growth. Through this experience, I’ve discovered the importance of emotional support and being an attentive listener. I’m an active member of the Italian Bipolar Association, and I believe that creating an environment of listening and understanding is essential for anyone living with bipolar disorder, as well as for those who love and support them

Nina

„Nina Sobierajska serves the AIBP as a Researcher. She was born in Poland in 2001 and for the last 5 years she has lived in the UK where she obtained a BSc degree in Psychology from Queen Mary University of London and a MSc degree in Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences from King’s College London.

Her thesis idea arose from observing the limitations of behavioral assessments in diagnosing autism, particularly in women with atypical symptom presentations. This led her to explore the potential of alpha power as a biomarker for autism using rsEEG data and a novel methodological approach called spectral parametrization.

Nina is dedicated to conducting research aimed at enhancing the fields of neuroscience and mental health in a way that inspires others and is a worthwhile contribution to healthcare development”

Noera

I hold a degree in BSc Psychology from Brunel University London and an MSc in Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences from King’s College London. I have experience working as a research assistant, support worker and assistant psychologist. Some of the areas of mental health I have experience in are Adult and CAMHS eating disorders, Acute services, general CAMHS services, Community mental health, and forensic mental health (working in an open rehabilitation service).

I have aspirations to become a neuropsychologist and work within the field of trauma on the brain and behaviour. I am excited to support the association in gaining momentum and exposure in providing support to people in Italy.