We live in an instant gratification world where an overabundance of information is available at your fingertips simply by doing a Google search. If you live with bipolar disorder—or some other mental illness—it’s overwhelming to have so many choices at your disposal. It’s hard to sift through the plethora of options, and it is hard to know which sources are credible.
Here’s where this resource page comes in! I have done the heavy lifting for you and have compiled a simplified and credible list of resources.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Mental Illness Information
When I am researching bipolar disorder—or another mental illness—for a blog post, there are to two sources that I go back to every time.
Mayo Clinic
I know what you are thinking. Any information associated with the prestigious Mayo Clinic will be filled with medical jargon that will be over your head.
Actually, the Mayo Clinic’s website has easy-understand information on just about any mental illness you can think of. Their article on bipolar disorder is comprehensive and includes information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
National Institute of Mental Health
Like the Mayo Clinic, the National Institute of Mental Health has comprehensive articles on a variety of mental illnesses. Their articles even include information about clinical trials and studies.
What I love most about The National Institute of Mental Health is that they have brochures on specific mental illnesses in PDF or ePub formats you can download and print. Click here to read their article on bipolar disorder.
Finding Professional Help
While it is important to educate yourself about mental illness, it is not a substitute for professional help. If you suspect that you or someone you love has bipolar disorder or another mental illness, here are two resources to help you find professional help in the United States.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a mental health services locator that helps you find professional help by zip code.
SAMHSA also has a National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
American Psychological Association (APA)
The American Psychological Association (APA) has a psychologist locater to find local help.
Helpful Bipolar Disorder Websites
International Bipolar Foundation
International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), formerly known as California Bipolar Foundation, was founded in June 2007 in San Diego, California by four parents with children affected by bipolar disorder. You can visit their website to sign up for their My Support newsletter, buy a copy of their book Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, and find a variety of resources.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders.
bphope
bphope.com is bp Magazine’s award-winning online community. It strives to increase the awareness of bipolar disorder and to provide hope and empowerment to those in the bipolar community — people with bipolar disorder, along with their families, caregivers, and health-care professionals.