Getting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may make you feel isolated. Support groups for bipolar disorder may make you feel less alone.
As per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), almost 4.4 percent of U.S. adults face bipolar disorder at some point. While less frequent than social anxiety disorder and depression, it is the world’s sixth greatest cause of disability.
Support groups allow you to meet others in your community who may share some of your experiences. You may also learn about local mental health doctors and services from them. They may have advice and guidance to help you deal with your bipolar depression better.
Therefore, keep reading the article to better understand support groups for bipolar disorder.
Key Takeaways
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness. It is a mental health condition that affects a person’s energy, mood, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder may face extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
- Support groups for bipolar disorder can help people feel less isolated.
- Online support groups offer people with bipolar disorder a secure space to connect with others and learn new coping skills.
- Some of the best support groups for bipolar disorder include 7 Cups, DailyStrength, LifeStance Health, Inspire by Mental Health America, and many more.
- In addition, to support groups, it is important to get expert medical help for bipolar disorder.
If you need help with bipolar disorder or substance abuse, consider Indiana Center for Recovery. We have a team of experts to deal with any mental health condition. Call us at (844) 650-0064 and get on the path to recovery.
Bipolar Disorder – Defined
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as “Manic Depression,” is a mental health disease. It causes mood fluctuations from one extreme to the other. Unlike normal mood swings, the mood fluctuations linked with bipolar disorder are so severe that they can interfere with work or school, harm relationships, and impair your ability to function in daily life.
A person with bipolar disorder may feel impulsive, like quitting their job, being too weary of getting out of bed, and being filled with self-loathing and despair.
Moreover, the causes of bipolar disorder are unknown. However, it appears to be inherited in many cases. Bipolar disorder’s first manic or depressive episode generally starts in teens or early adulthood. The signs can be subtle and perplexing, and many people with bipolar disorder go undiagnosed, causing unnecessary suffering.
Furthermore, since bipolar disorder worsens without treatment, it’s critical to understand the signs. Recognizing the issue is the first step towards feeling better and regaining control of your life.
Best Bipolar Support Groups
Joining support groups is a good idea to start your recovery journey. There are various support groups for bipolar disorders. Some of the most common are as follows:
7 Cups
7 Cups is an excellent support group for those suffering from bipolar disorder. It offers therapeutic sessions overseen by licensed specialists. They offer support and family therapy to a community of people who know what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. There are bipolar disorder-specific chat rooms and online forums. In forums, people may ask questions, share expertise, and support one another.
7 Cups is now available as an app. 7 Cups invites users to meet new people and check in as often as they like to share their stories or let others know they understand.
DailyStrength
DailyStrength is an online support group for bipolar disorder. It offers an online support community of people dealing with the same issues. Members can connect with others, share their experiences, and get peer support and encouragement.
The website offers various forums and programs where people can post messages and join discussions. Members can also track their moods and signs. They can also set goals for themselves. It also offers an extensive library of articles and additional resources related to bipolar disorder.
LifeStance Health
LifeStance Health is an online mental health platform. It offers a range of services, like online groups for bipolar disorder. The support groups are led by mental health professionals. Support groups focus on topics like coping skills, sign management, and relapse prevention.
Individuals can also get tailored treatment and support from LifeStance Health clinicians. It also offers virtual therapy sessions, medication management, and telepsychiatry services.
Inspire by Mental Health America
Inspire by Mental Health America is an online community. It offers general support groups for various mental health challenges, like bipolar disorder. Members can connect with others with the same experiences and share their stories.
The platform also offers a range of helpful resources, like articles, podcasts, and videos. The support groups are moderated by trained volunteers who can guide and support community members.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a national organization. It offers support groups for people with depression and bipolar disorder. The organization has more than 700 support groups across the United States. The organization also has online support groups for people who can’t join in-person meetings.
DBSA support groups are led by trained facilitators who can give members education, support, and guidance. It also offers many resources, like webinars, podcasts, and online tools.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection supports people with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Trained facilitators lead the NAMI family support group with lived experience with mental illness.
The groups offer a confidential and safe space for members to share their experiences, get support, and learn coping skills. It also offers education and resources to help people better understand their mental health conditions.
How To Choose the Right Group for You
Before you join, consider what you are comfortable with, what you need, and what you plan to gain from a support group. Consider the following questions:
- Would you like to meet in person?
- How frequently do you want to meet?
- Do you want round-the-clock assistance?
- Do you want professionals to be a part of your support group?
The above questions will help you select the best support group for you. You may try out more than one while you search, and you can even remain with more than one if different sorts of services are helpful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What support is available for people with bipolar disorder?
There are several forms of support for people with bipolar disorder. These include the following forms:
Medication: It can help stabilize mood swings and reduce the severity of episodes.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with bipolar disorder to develop coping skills.
Support groups: They can give a safe space for people to share their experiences, get advice, and connect with others who understand what they are going through.
Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep can boost overall health.
It’s crucial for people with bipolar disorder to work with a mental health professional. An expert will create a tailored treatment plan that meets the patient’s unique needs.
What are coping skills for bipolar disorder?
Coping skills are vital for people with bipolar disorder to handle their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These skills can help them deal with stressors and triggers that may worsen their mood swings.
Some effective coping skills are as follows:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Doing regular exercise and physical activity.
Keeping a mood diary to track signs and identify patterns.
Seeking support from loved ones or a mental health professional.
Practicing relaxation skills like meditation or deep breathing.
Additionally, following a structured daily routine, avoiding drugs, and taking prescribed drugs as directed can also be beneficial in managing bipolar symptoms.
What therapy is best for bipolar disorder?
There is no approach to treating bipolar disorder that fits everyone. Every person’s needs may differ. However, the following therapies have been shown to be effective in managing signs of bipolar disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people recognize negative thoughts and develop coping skills to manage them.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) focuses on stabilizing daily routines and improving interpersonal relationships to prevent mood episodes.
Family therapy involves family members and helps improve communication and problem-solving skills.
Medication management is crucial in managing bipolar disorder signs. Therapies can be used in conjunction with drugs for the best outcomes.
Get the Support You Need at Indiana Center for Recovery
Online support groups for bipolar disorder can help you connect with others with the same experiences. However, support groups are not a replacement for therapy or medication.
Indiana Center for Recovery has various treatment plans like detox, residential, outpatient treatment, TMS therapy, and many more. We have been providing reliable services for several years and have gained the trust of our clients. Our staff always makes sure to give support to every patient. No one feels alone in their addiction or mental health treatment at our facility.
Our psychologists help clients understand mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and provide suitable treatment. Our healthcare providers also offer tailored treatment plans per the patient’s needs.
If you or your loved one needs help, call us at (844) 650-0064.