Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Shaz51]

I would suggest to him to visit a psychologist especiaised in bipolar,  that would be great @SusanaBA 

where to look ?

he has been to lots but they all seem to shake their heads at my husband and then he cancells all help 

@davidharper_bal, @eth , @TideisTurning , @Daisydreamer , @greenpea 

[TideisTurning]

That's so insightful @eth to have that advanced care directive as well as your wellness recovery action plan! I imagine that would take a lot of pressure off knowing there are other ways your wishes can be communicated.

[SusanaBA]

Question 5 for you @SusanaBA: World Bipolar Day is on March 30 to bring awareness to the condition. How can we raise awareness for Bipolar within our communities? And what is Bipolar Australia doing to raise awareness this World Bipolar Day?

World Bipolar Day 2020 is celebrated on Monday March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who is widely believed to have suffered from bipolar disorder. At Bipolar Australia, we believe that every person who has Bipolar Disorder should know that the condition can be diagnosed, treated, and well managed, as too many Australians with this severe chronic condition never hear that good news.

We believe encouraging people to seek out help, and working to eliminate social stigma, will together bring about our core goal of making recovery possible for every Australian with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Australia aims to use World Bipolar Day to help bring the good news about recovery to people affected by the condition, and to educate the community about bipolar.

Our core initiative is “Blow Bubbles for Bipolar”, a fun and easy activity that can be used to celebrate the occasion with colleagues, friends, and family. We chose bubbles because people with bipolar who become manic are often described as behaving “bubbly”, while watching the bubbles crash back down represents the depressive phase of the condition. The recovery journey that people embark upon when they get help is symbolised by the rainbow that can be seen when a group blows enough bubbles together.

If you would like to host your own event for WBD and need hosting resources or help to publicise your event, please head to our website bipolaraustralia.org.au or email

bubbles@bipolaraustralia.org.au

World Bipolar Day is just one day a year that helps raise awareness, but we also need your help spreading the message that Recovery is Possible all year round! Bipolar Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and as such, we rely on your support, donations and voluntary efforts, to keep our services running.  If you would like to find out more about how you can help you can head to

bipolaraustralia.org.au/support-us/

[greenpea]

I have to go I have my son2 pacing. Thank you for hosting tonight it was very informative. @SusanaBA @davidharper_bal @Daisydreamer @TideisTurning @Shaz51 🙂

[Olga]

@Daiseydreamer. I think it is so important to raise awareness.  Even visiting universities and giving a talk, having a display etc. I think BD is coming out of obscurity and the stigma is improving but we still have a long way to go

[SusanaBA]

[Daisydreamer]

And our last question for @SusanaBA tonight

Question 6: Where can I go for more information about Bipolar Australia?

[eth]

@SusanaBA  the 30th March is next Tuesday, not Monday or Saturday.

[davidharper_bal]

Hi @Shaz51 a psychologist is a great idea, and Bipolar Australia always encourages people to find a counsellor in relation to a psychiatrist.

The relationship with a psychologist is very individualised, so it's not like one can pick a good one out of a list. There is a combination of skillset and personality, which means that a counsellor who Susana loves might not connect with me at all.

A good way to start looking is to ask your GP. There are also government funded programs for various priority groups, where there is no cost involved. You can find out more here.

[Mazarita]

Really sorry to have missed this event, even though I set myself a reminder! Thanks for doing it @Daisydreamer. I hope to read through the thread when there is time.