by Marcia Purse
Nobody understands what I'm going through.
I have nowhere to turn for help.
I'm all alone.
Whether you yourself suffer from Bipolar Disorder or you love someone who does, you know these often devastating feelings of isolation and helplessness. But the truth is, plenty of people do understand what you're going through; there are places to turn for help; you are not alone.
The proof is on the Internet.
Talk to Someone Online
About Bipolar Disorder has three forums where you can discuss a wide variety of issues concering manic-depressive illness as well as exchange support and just talk about what's on your mind. Create a member ID for yourself (it's free) and then sign on.
We also offer chat for those who are being treated for Bipolar Disorder and for their friends and loved ones as well.
Find Local Support On the Web
If there is anything that should teach us all that we are not alone, it is seeing the growing number of Bipolar Support sites from around the world on the Internet. Canadians can check out CANMAT's Bipolar Pages. Click on their link "Where To Get Help" to find telephone numbers of organizations all across Canada.
In Australia, check out SANE Australia, an independent, not-for-profit organization which works to improve the well-being of Australians seriously affected by mental illness. They have a toll-free helpline and help via email, as well.
The South African Bipolar Homepage has a list of support groups in many areas of South Africa, including addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.
No matter where you live, a good resource is Mental Health Net's Self-Help Clearinghouses Across the World. There are individual listings for the states of the U.S., the provinces of Canada, and several countries in both eastern and western hemispheres. Some organizations on these lists require a fee for their material on support groups.
In the United States, a good place to start is the Depressiona and Bipolar Support Alliance. Starting from their Chapter Directory, you can find information on DMDA Chapters throughout the United States.
Some State and County Organization Websites
The California Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI California), a statewide advocacy group dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illnesses, has a listing of their local affiliate groups with addresses, phone numbers and websites, where available. The home page of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey contains, in the left column, links to specific information about several County offices as well as the State office.
NAMI also lists affiliates across the US.
The Manic Depressive and Depressive Association of Boston has weekly events and support group meetings in Belmont, MA, as well as offering solid information on their website. At Support Works Online, a group based in Mecklenburg County, NC, you can find an excellent guide to North and South Carolina support groups. They also have an excellent page on "sniffing out" a support group near you.
You Are Not Alone
In this article we have covered several Internet resources for help, but obviously it was impossible to cover every state, every country. We have a library of links on Organizations such as those mentioned here, and you can find more links to chats, support groups, mailing lists and the like by visiting our Online Support links.
Bipolar Disorder didn't single you or your loved one out. It has been plaguing people throughout history, and continues to do so all over the world today. But today, there is better treatment available than ever before, and thanks in part to the Internet, a better chance of finding somebody to talk to who understands.
