Bipolar Disorder Support

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Bipolar Disorder: A Web of Information, Treatment, and Support

Once known as manic-depressive illness and still sometimes called by that name, bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million adults. Teens and children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder more frequently, too. There is no cure for the disorder, but it can be managed with a combination of medicine and therapy.

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About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme changes in mood. People with bipolar disorder experience ... read more »

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but researchers theorize that a mix of family ... read more »

Treating Bipolar Disorder

Medication is the starting point for any bipolar treatment. Lithium is a medication that has been ... read more »

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a difficult condition to manage. According to Mental Health America ... read more »

Bipolar Disorder Support

Though the number of people with bipolar disorder may seem small, there is a large online community of people who want to support each other. Use forums to talk about all sorts of topics related to living with bipolar disorder, such as being newly diagnosed or available medications. Many forums also have special areas devoted to people who have a loved one with bipolar disorder.

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Many forums are run by people who have the disorder themselves, known in mental health jargon as “consumers.” These sites in particular encourage people to be kind to one another.

Not everyone you encounter in these forums has the best intentions. Be careful not to give out too much personal information on forums or in chats.

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For support …

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a forum that is available with free registration. There’s also a searchable listing of more than 1,200 state and local NAMI affiliates, where you can get involved in the alliance’s programs for consumers and their families.

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The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has a blog and forum on bipolar disorder, as well as a searchable database of local support groups. Click on “Find Support” for those links.

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Mental Earth Community is run by people with bipolar and other disorders, with help from a licensed psychologist. You must register (it’s free) before entering the forums or live chats.

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Everyday Health has a forum, “Living With Bipolar Disorder,” that requires no registration. People there post about such varied topics as medication and sharing their feelings on a tough day. Responders are generally quite supportive, and ads are kept to a minimum.

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Bipolarhome.org was created by a man with bipolar disorder. The forums are largely free of ads and have civil, sympathetic people talking about coping with significant others who have the disorder, drug interactions, and working while dealing with bipolar disorder.

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For parents …

The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation has a wealth of information for parents whose children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There’s a chat room and an online support group parents can join, but it requires a minimum donation of $40 per year. With that donation, parents also receive an e-bulletin.

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