Living with Bipolarity
- Overview: Two different community support groups are available to provide a safe place to share experiences and discuss the realities of living with a diagnosis, or supporting a person who has a diagnosis. The focus is on exploring ideas for coping and improving health and well-being.
- Duration: Ongoing
- Time: 60 minutes per session Cost: Free
- Two different support groups serve community members:
- Open only to individuals 18 or older who have a diagnosis of bipolar I, II, or cyclothymic disorder
- Open to family members, friends, or caregivers who support an individual with a diagnosis of bipolar I, II, or cyclothymic disorder
Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect close to 10 million Americans, about 3 percent of the population.* It features extreme high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy levels, thinking, and behavior. People with this diagnosis can have periods of extreme happiness and high energy and then drop into periods of great sadness, hopelessness, and low energy. Living with this diagnosis can cause emotional distress for anyone involved. Qualified speakers will join the group from time to time to discuss medications and safe practices, diet and health, and self-soothing and meditation practices.
Discussion Topics Include (but are not limited to):
- Experiencing social bias and discrimination
- Dealing with distress and grief -- in yourself and in others who care about/for you
- Understanding cycling
- Managing medications safely and the importance of medication compliance
- Managing physical health
- Techniques for self-soothing and self-compassion
- Community resources