Additional Resources
Whether you are seeking immediate support or looking to better understand life with Bipolar disorder, this page offers a variety of helpful resources. On this page, you will find crisis numbers, support groups, online resources, and personal stories to guide and encourage you. Remember, support is always within reach.
Crisis Numbers and Support Groups
NAMI Helpline
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources needed to tackle tough challenges that you or your loved ones may be facing. The HelpLine is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 10 pm EST.
Call
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text
NAMI to 62640
NAMI Support Groups
In addition to the HelpLine, NAMI also has support groups for people with mental health conditions and their families. These support groups are peer-led and offer participants the opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees. You can attend these meetings both in person and online, and attendance is open to anyone across the country. These groups meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on location. Support groups are also available in Spanish. Click the button below to learn more information on how to join a NAMI Support Group.
DBSA Support Groups
Similar to NAMI, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance also provides free in-person and online support groups for people diagnosed with mental health conditions and their families. These support groups are hosted by HeyPeers, who are certified coaches and peer supporters. These meetings are held on a weekly, biweekly, and monthly basis depending on location. Click the button below to learn more information on how to join a DBSA Support Group.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) provides a comprehensive resource for navigating mental health crises. They have articles on crisis planning, who to contact when a crisis occurs, and hospitalization. In addition to these articles, MHA has trained crisis counselors who are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential help. Click the button below to access their crisis resource page.
Call or Text
988
Text
HOME to 741741
Websites for Support
Bipolar Hope
Bipolar Hope is a great resource for anyone looking to better understand Bipolar disorder or support someone diagnosed. Along with clear information on symptoms and treatment, it features a section dedicated to those who support someone with the condition. The section provides honest, in-depth blog articles that explore the emotional challenges, practical strategies, and ongoing journey of supporting a loved one with Bipolar disorder. Click the button below to access the blog.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is an amazing resource for people diagnosed with Depression and Bipolar disorder and their families. This resource provides educational materials on the condition, guides for finding mental health professionals, and online and in-person support groups. Click the button below to access the parents and caregivers section of the website.
International Bipolar Foundation
The International Bipolar Foundation is a comprehensive resource for those who have been affected by Bipolar disorder. Not only do they include basic information about the condition, but they also have a variety of resources for caregivers and people in supportive roles. Some of these resources include blog articles, webinars, and a book on healthy living with the condition. Click the button below to access the parent and caregiver section of the website.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a government initiative that works to educate, support, advocate, listen, and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. They provide educational materials on the disorder and ways for loved ones to provide support for someone who is diagnosed. They also have outreach programs such as in-person and online support groups and peer-led classes and programs. To access the Family Members and Caregivers section of the website, click the button below.
Stories about Bipolar Disorder
When I was first coming to terms with my diagnosis, these TedTalks were a lifeline. Hearing others speak openly about their experiences with the condition helped me feel less alone and gave me hope for the future, which is why I included them here. These talks offer honest, heartfelt perspectives from people who have walked this path themselves. They not only highlight the realities of the condition, but also the resilience, strength, and potential for a full and meaningful life. I encourage you to watch and, if you find them helpful, share them with others.
From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum | Sara Schley | TedxDeerfield
Video description: Sara Schley challenges Bipolar disorder stereotypes and offers empathy, compassion, and community as tools to help those who are on the Bipolar spectrum. Sara is a force of nature. Smart, thoughtful, and bold, she works fearlessly to better the environment and make the world a kinder, more loving place. A tremendous writer and an engaging speaker, Sara is unafraid to share both her triumphs and failures in order to help people and the planet heal.
Finding Balance in Bipolar | Ellen Forney | TedxSeattle
Video description: Ellen Forney is a passionate storyteller and artist who turned her Bipolar diagnosis into a platform of hope for anyone struggling with mental health issues. In this moving and generous talk, Ellen uses both her words and her own comic pictures to share the story of how she maintained her creativity while managing her illness and shares the system she developed for achieving balance and keeping it.
Taking Off the Mask of Bipolar: Remove the Stigma from Mental Illness | Jame Geathers | TEDxAugusta
Video description: Jame Geathers is a mother, entrepreneur, author, and survivor of Bipolar disorder. Diagnosed in 2013, she is determined to give a voice to women, specifically women of color, who often suffer in silence with mental health disorders. Professionally, as a human resources professional, Jame has spent her career building partnerships between employers and employees. Additionally, Jame is passionate about empowering and inspiring individuals to realize their full potential through encouragement, coaching, and sharing her story. When she is not working, Jame splits her time between volunteering, reading, and spending time with her daughter and fur babies.
Living with Bipolar Type II | Laura Bain | TedxTerryTalks
Video description: Laura Bain speaks about living with Type II Bipolar disorder, the trials and tribulations, but also how it informs her vibrant character and wonderful sense of identity.
Ups & Downs: An Insider View on Bipolar Disorder | Henrik Wahlström | TedxKI
Video description: Henry Wahlström is a Swedish author, director, lecturer, and popular influencer working to overcome the stigma and prejudice associated with psychiatric illnesses. In his talk, he gives a first-person perspective of the challenges of living with Bipolar disorder and how it can affect everyday life. His ultimate goal? To demonstrate that mental illness doesn't have to dictate one's life, whether in the workplace, at home, or anywhere else.