Bipolar Disorder Resources
On-line Resources
Bipolar Message Boards
BP Today Bulletin Board
Parenting
BP Children
Family Message Boards
BP Today Family Message Board
Chat
BP Today Chat
Email Groups
BP
Today Bipolar HELP! Support and information group for those who not only
have the bipolar disorder but are currently not doing well and need extra
support.
MH
Today Borderline and Bipolar Support Providing support and information to those with BOTH the
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER and BIPOLAR DISORDER.
Family Email Groups
BP
FAMILY Today Support Group Support groups for family members and loved ones
of those with the bipolar disorder.
Newsletters
BP Today Newsletter
Newsgroups
alt.support.depression.manic
soc.support.depression.manic
soc.support.depression.family
Off-line Resources
Organizations
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
Nat'l. 275 chapters. Founded 1986. Mutual support and information for
persons with depressive and manic-depressive illness, and their families. Public
education on the nature of depressive illnesses. Annual conferences, chapter
development guidelines. Quarterly newsletter. Bookstore, catalog, mail orders.
Contact: NDMDA, 730 N. Franklin, #501, Chicago, IL 60610. Call 800-826-3632 or
(312)642-0049;
FAX: (312)642-7243.
Online Contact: http://www.ndmda.org/
MDSG-NY (Mood Disorders Support Group, Inc.)
MODEL GROUP
3 affiliated groups in NY. Founded 1981. Support and education for people with
manic-depression or depression and their families and friends. Guest lectures,
newsletter, rap groups, assistance in starting groups.
Contact: MDSG, Inc., P. O. Box 30377, NY NY 10011. Call (212)533-MDSG; FAX:
(212)675-0218. .
Online Contact: http://www.mdsg.org
Model groups are not national or international groups. Contact this group only
if your are interested in starting a similar group in your area or country. When
writing to this group from the U.S.A., always include a stamped, self-addressed
envelope. A small contribution toward their copying costs is also helpful.
DRADA (Depression and Related Affective Disorders Assn)
Int'l. 60 affiliated groups. Founded 1986. Aims to alleviate the suffering
arising from depression and manic-depression by assisting self-help groups,
providing education and information, and supporting research. Newsletter,
literature, phone support. Assistance in starting new groups. Young People's
Outreach Project.
Contact: DRADA, Meyer 3-181 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287-7381. Call
(410)955-4647
(Baltimore, MD) or (202)955-5800 (Washington, DC); FAX: (410)614-3241.
Online Contact: mailto:[email protected]
NAMI Resources
In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness
- An informational outreach program on recovery presented by trained
consumers to other consumers, families, students, professionals, and all
people wanting to learn about mental illness.
- Designed to offer insight into how people with serious mental illnesses
cope with the realities of their disorders while recovering and reclaiming
productive lives with meaning and dignity.
- An opportunity for consumers to gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and
income while serving as role models for the community.
- Living proof that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and that
recovery is an ongoing reality.
The Presentation:
- Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, major depression, and other severe mental illnesses. These
presenters offer insight and hope by their example and testimonials of their
experiences.
- The brief video features consumers speaking about the topics of Dark Days,
Acceptance, Medications, Coping Skills, Successes, and Hopes and Dreams.
- The presenters also provide opportunity for discussion about each section
to enrich the audience's understanding of living with mental illness.
- A Take Home Kit is distributed to all attendees and includes resources and
an opportunity for program evaluation.
Program Goals:
- To meet the need for consumer-run education initiatives
- To set a standard for quality education about mental illness from those
who have been there
- To offer genuine work opportunities for consumers
- To encourage self-confidence and self-esteem in presenters
- To focus on recovery and the message of hope
Presenter Training:
- Presenters are consumers who are ready for the next step in their recovery
and are willing to share their story. They are selected from various sources
including NAMI consumer members, day program attendees, group home
residents, and referrals from doctors and providers.
- A trainer from NAMI's national office provides a two-day training course
for 12-16 consumer presenters.
- During the training, presenters will practice telling their personal
stories, develop facilitation skills, develop story points that will be
relevant and meaningful to specific audiences, and develop a professional
presentation that they could take to their communities.
The Audience:
- Consumers� in day programs, inpatient settings, support groups, and
other community settings who can share, learn, and find hope for successful
living.
- Family and friends� who may need further reassurance of the possibility
of recovery for their loved ones.
- Health care providers� who desire strengthened communication with their
clients and improved outcomes.
- Law enforcement officials� to increase awareness of and sensitivity to
behaviors triggered by mental illness.
- Faith communities� to increase responsiveness to people with mental
illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
- Students� of various age levels, who wish to expand their knowledge of
living with mental illness.
- Any community or civic organization� who may be interested in learning
more about mental illnesses and recovery.
Further Information:
The In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness program must be coordinated
through the NAMI state or affiliate organization. Contact your NAMI state office
or local affiliate about presentations in your area.
To inquire about having In Our Own Voice implemented in your state, contact Lainie
DeMelle or Sara Yankalunas or call NAMI
at 703-524-7600.
FAMILY
-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM is a free 12-week course for family caregivers
of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is
taught by trained family members. All instruction and course materials are free
for class participants.
Other Resources
1800
Therapist (Locate a Therapist in Your Area - Excellent Site)
Free
Medication for Low Income People
Toll Free Resources
and Hotlines
Bipolar Disorder Today Newsletter
Join the BP
Today Newsletter for information, resources and support. Or, send a blank email here.
Visit
Mental Health Matters for information
and articles. Get
help to find
a therapist or list
your practice; and Psych
Forums for message boards on a variety of MH topics.
Copyright © Patty Fleener, M.S.W. All
rights reserved.
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