International Bipolar Foundation

You are cared about. 💚

Learn more about the symptoms of bipolar disorder here: https://ibpf.org/about-bipolar-disorder/

Drop a 💚 in the comments if you can relate. We are here for you!

We are here for you! Please swipe for some tips to mitigate bipolar depression. 💚

Sharing your diagnosis is always your choice! If you decide to do so, here are some tips. 💚

Mania presents itself differently for everyone. Here are possible examples, knowing these can lead to receiving proper care. 💚

"You are still you, a beautifully unique person. It won’t always be easy, but it is your opportunity to navigate and choose how you want to live your life."

Read Aimee's story and other Faces of Hope & Recovery here: https://ibpf.org/learn/education/faces-of-hope-and-recovery/

💚

Negative thoughts and emotions can be a result of a poor night’s sleep.

Use this as a friendly reminder to try to set yourself up for sleep success. You got this! 💚

"With mania, I frequently don't need sleep-or, at least, that's the lie that my brain tells my body."

We hope that these strategies Cassandra implements can help you. 💚

Read more on our blog! https://ibpf.org/learn/resources/blog/

Tomorrow! Key themes will be the importance of daily routines in training the body to be ready for sleep, helping prepare for sleep at night, and how to seek help for specific sleep problems and disorders. 💚

Learn more & register: https://ibpf.org/sleep-in-bipolar-disorder-challenges-and-management-tips/

Knowing this can lead to proper treatment and increased self compassion! Share to spread awareness. 💚

Showing up each day while living with bipolar disorder can be hard, being here is enough. Thank you. 💚

Our latest Face of Hope & Recovery is Gaby! 💚

"It's also okay to grieve the life you had before. For me, this meant a life without constantly monitoring my moods or reality-testing psychosis."

Read Gaby's story and other Faces of Hope & Recovery here: https://ibpf.org/learn/education/faces-of-hope-and-recovery/

Understanding promotes kindness. 💚

We are here for you!

If you are experiencing an episode please consider reaching out for help, whether that be to a friend, family member, or medical professional. 💚

“Looking back at my childhood trauma and the acuteness of the bipolar disorder symptoms I’ve lived through, I know my childhood adversities contributed to the severity of my bipolar disorder episodes.”

Now, Melissa lives a fulfilling life that she is proud of. 💚

The Link Between My Childhood Trauma and Bipolar Disorder - International Bipolar Foundation Majority of people living with bipolar disorder would agree that one of the most daunting experiences is inpatient treatment. For many psych patients, including myself, inpatient treatment is viewed as a punishment or failure...

Has your treatment team discussed these factors with you? It may be helpful to bring these up during your next appointment! 💚

In the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, more “base” and fundamental needs must be tended to before proceeding to more dynamic and in-depth psychotherapies.

Visit https://ibpf.org/bipolarneeds/ to learn more about this tiered approach! 💚

Today can be the day to build new habits! You can do this. 💚

Here at IBPF, we understand. Please message us for support resources! 💚

Our latest Face of Hope & Recovery is Betsi! 💚

"Sometimes we put limits on ourselves, but Bipolar can be managed and you can live a full life. I am fortunate that my advocate is my husband and I’m very proud that in our 18 years of marriage, we are a team, and managing my diagnosis is a priority "

Read Betsi's story and other Faces of Hope & Recovery here: https://ibpf.org/learn/education/faces-of-hope-and-recovery/

Experiencing psychosis is NOT a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. 💚

If you are prescribed medication, here are 6 strategies your healthcare team may suggest to help improve treatment adherence! 💚

1. Custom-labelled packages for medications
2. Smartphone medication reminders
3. Asking your friends or family to help remind you to take your medications
4. Lifestyle changes to manage side effects
5. Switching medications to reduce side effects
6. Changing the schedule or type of medications to make it more convenient

💚

Today marks the second anniversary of the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Since transitioning to the three-digit number, we've proudly provided vital support to 10 million contacts through calls, texts, and chats.

But we haven't done it alone. The counselors at our local crisis centers across the country answer all of 988's calls, texts, and chats and are the essential heroes of the Lifeline. Our deepest gratitude goes to them, SAMHSA, state leaders, and our partner organizations for their unwavering support. Their dedication is vital in saving lives and ensuring everyone has access to emotional support whenever and however they need it.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration, making 988 even more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all individuals in the years to come. Together, we will help save lives.

Starry Night tickets are available! Our work is not possible without you. Thank you for your commitment to the Bipolar Community!

Join us in Del Mar, CA on September 13th: https://ibpf.org/starrynight/

Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that cannot be wished away on control. Share to spread awareness!

An important reminder. Bipolar disorder brings many challenges, being here is a victory. 💚

A privately-funded inpatient study of a medical ketogenic diet for treating schizophrenia has been halted by Maryland's Health Secretary.

If you are in the United States, Please join us in signing this petition; aiming to persuade Maryland's Health Secretary to reconsider her stance and permit this promising study to move forward. https://www.change.org/p/help-us-protect-a-landmark-research-study-for-serious-mental-illness?recruited_by_id=6e67a660-37f0-11ef-9a5c-fd4f5b9b44a4&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf&utm_medium=copylink

This study could mark a pivotal turning point in the quest for safe, effective treatments for schizophrenia and other persistent mental illnesses–and in protecting the most vulnerable patients’ rights to access innovative therapies.

Sign the Petition Help us protect a landmark research study for serious mental illness

Our latest Face of Hope & Recovery is Angelo!

"I am proud of only saying yes to things I know that I can pour all of myself into knowing full well that the condition precludes me from burning the candles at both ends. Knowing when to turn down anything that would disrupt my professional and personal balance that I’ve worked hard to achieve has been integral to my recovery."

Read Angelo's story and other Faces of Hope & Recovery here: https://ibpf.org/learn/education/faces-of-hope-and-recovery/

Mental health is essential health for all. If you have trouble accessing care, learn how to hold your insurance company accountable and say . bit.ly/dont-deny-me