do you have bipolar?

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 17, and I felt all alone. I didn't know where to turn, I didn't know anyone with bipolar, and I was scared. 


One girl told me, "I am 13 years old, and I just found out I have bipolar disorder. When I think back, it all makes sense - the cutting, bulimia, horrible anger, sadness, then back to normal. I thought I had something wrong with me, I just never knew what it was. Today, I'm doing better. If you can relate to me, let your parents take you to a professional. Therapy helps. Now, I'm back to my old happy, fun self."


I have since met quite a few people with bipolar, and I have been able to help them, and they all, in turn, helped me. 


Telling someone what you're going through helps.


You are never alone. 
Ever.


I am here. Always. I'm listening, and I've been through it.
Whether you're struggling, need someone to talk to, or are willing to give those who are going through this advice, just shoot me an email (dancingthroughthepain@hotmail.com), and I will ALWAYS answer. 


Stay strong, little one. And keep Dancing Through The Pain.


Here are a few resources I thought to be helpful:


Living and coping with bipolar disorder

Dealing Effectively with Depression and Manic-Depression – Covers key recovery concepts and strategies, such as mood and symptom monitoring and crisis planning. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Guide to Recovery (Powerpoint Presentation) – Online booklet covers bipolar disorder, treatment strategies, what to do when drug therapy fails, and coping skills. (The Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders)

Bipolar Disorder: Stories of Coping and Courage – Read the personal stories of real people dealing with bipolar disorder. Includes each individual’s experience of what helps them feel better. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Taking charge of bipolar disorder recovery

Keeping Your Balance – Australian government sponsored site offers a self-help series on managing bipolar disorder. Includes cognitive and behavioral strategies for managing and preventing mania and depression. (Centre for Clinical Interventions)

Working Toward Wellness – Online workbook you can use to track your treatment and progress. Includes sections on identifying triggers, dealing with drug side effects, and tracking your moods. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Wellness Toolbox – Take charge of your treatment with wellness tools such as a symptom management worksheet, medication information charts, and a personal wellness checklist. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Bipolar disorder mood and symptom monitoring

Self-Monitoring for Relapse Prevention (PDF) – Patient workbook with strategies for monitoring your moods and spotting signs of relapse. (Centre for Clinical Interventions, Western Australia Department of Health)

Healthy lifestyle choices for bipolar disorder

Healthy Lifestyles: Improving and Maintaining the Quality of your Life – Advice on improving the quality of your life through healthy lifestyle modifications such as eating right and exercising. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Bipolar disorder support groups in the U.S.

About Support Groups and Chapters – Learn about DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) support groups and how they can help. Includes a Support Group Locator. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Find a Support Group – Search for a support group for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. (Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation)

Bipolar disorder support groups worldwide

Support Groups Outside the U.S. – Search for bipolar disorder support groups located outside the United States. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Self-Help Groups in the UK (MDF The Bipolar Organisation)

Advocacy Support Groups in Australia (Bipolar Disorder)

Finding Help in Canada (Mood Disorders Society of Canada)