Money and Debt Helpful links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support with money issues. Expand PayPlan is a free debt advice provider and can help you make a plan to get your debts and payments under control. It can also provide personalised advice on a range of money-related subjects, such as bailiffs, legal action and benefits. We are working with Pay Plan to help their advisors understand the problems people with bipolar often face and to provide a faster referral process for our bipolar community. If you would like to speak with one of their advisors, please email [email protected] or click here. StepChange Debt Charity Free advice on problem debt based on what's best for you The Money Advice ServiceFree and impartial money advice, set up by government Turn2UsA national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. Debt Support TrustSupporting people in managing their debt problems by offering debt advice today, whilst finding solutions to minimise severe personal debt problems in the future. National DebtlineA free, confidential, debt advice service helping people deal with their debts. Financial OmbudsmanA service to help resolve individual disputes between consumers and businesses – fairly, reasonably, quickly and informally. Money Saving ExpertOffers money saving tips and advice. Also offers a free booklet on financial affairs specifically aimed at people with mental health conditions.
I have financial concerns Look for help if you have money troubles because of your bipolar Expand Managing bipolar can be hampered by the additional stress and practical problems presented by financial difficulties. Whether it is repairing the damage caused by excessive spending during manic episodes, dealing with loss of earnings as a result of the illness or taking steps to prevent future problems, financial health can be an important factor for your health and wellbeing. See our useful links to organisations that can help address your financial concerns
What do I need when returning to work after bipolar illness? Things to consider when going back to work after bipolar illness Expand A checklist of what to think about when preparing to return to work: Talk to your manager about a phased to work and build in a midway review point. If your employer knows about your diagnosis share and copy of the Bipolar UK Employers Guide with your manager. If your employer does not know about your diagnosis think about if now is the time - see the Bipolar UK Employees Guide for help. Make sure you take in any sick notes, not previously handed in, so that sick pay is not affected. Think about your journey to work and plan for back ups. If you have children. or caring responsibilities, are these affected? Check that your next of kin information is up to date with your employer. Ask about any employee assistance programmes to support your return to work. Consider if a temporary adjustment would help you. You can ask for an Occupational Health assessment on return, if you have had this in the past. Or ask for a Occupational Health assessment to develop any reasonable adjustments you might need. details of how to identify what reasonable adjustments you can request are in the Bipolar UK Employees Guide (p.13)
Finding Therapy links Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you information on self-management and therapy. Expand BACP - British Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyProvides information on counselling and psychotherapy, including a register of members BABCP - The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies Provides information on CBT and includes a register of practitioners Counselling Directory Information on finding a local counsellor.
Mental Health Act 1983 - patient information A leaflet to explain your rights if you are detained under the Mental Health Act. Expand The Department of Health and Social Care has issued leaflets for patients who have been brought to hospital by a police officer under section 135 or 136 of the Mental Health Act. The leaflets explain to the person: - why they are in hospital - what to expect during this section - their rights - what could happen afterwards - The leaflets contain form fields for healthcare professionals to enter the expiry date and time of the patient’s detention. Click here to download the leaflets
What is power of attorney? You can nominate someone to look after your finances when you are unable to Expand Helping a friend or relative who is struggling to manage their finances can be difficult, especially if they do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions. For many people, the solution is to make a power of attorney - a way of giving someone the legal power to manage their finances. In most cases, making a power of attorney will mean an end to the problems that can arise in these situations. But sometimes things go wrong, which is why the ombudsman has provided tips for both banks and consumers on power of attorney – and how to avoid problems. For more information, please visit the Financial Ombudsman's website
debt & benefits advice links Links to other websites and organisations that can offer information and support about benefits. Expand PayPlan They are a free debt advice provider and offer expert advice around debt management to help you make a plan to get your debts and payments under control. If you would like to speak with one of their advisors, email [email protected] or click here. Department for Work and PensionsThis is a useful resource giving information about options for claiming benefits for both people with disabilities and their carers. It also provides instructions about how to go about claiming. Citizens AdviceFree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Turn2UsA national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. Advice NowInformation on the law and your rights regarding benefits and employment. Healthy Start A government based initiative that helps pregnant women on benefits or under the age of 18, and families with young children on benefits, get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins.
Mental Health Charities Links to other mental health charities that can offer information and support. Expand Samaritans A 24/7 confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland. You can call them for free on 116 123 Bipolar ScotlandProviding support groups for people in Scotland who are affected by bipolar disorder and to all who care for them. MindOffer support and advice on a wide range of mental health issues, as well as an information and legal advice line. Rethink Mental IllnessWorks to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. SANE Working to improve quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness, including an emotional support line. Mental Health FoundationA mental health research, policy and service improvement charity committed to reducing the suffering caused by mental ill health and to help everyone lead mentally healthier lives. Disability Rights UKLeading change, working to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens. HafalA Welsh charity offering a range of services to people with serious mental health illness including direct support and advice, support in a crisis, advocacy, groups and employment and training projects. No PanicA charity for people suffering from panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), other related anxiety disorders. GofalLeading Welsh mental health and wellbeing charity, providing a wide range of services to people with mental health problems. Mood SwingsNational Helpline and online support providing free and confidential information, advice and support to people with mood disorders, family, friends and health and social care professionals. Together UKProvides services in the community and hospitals and prisons for people with mental health needs and their carers.
If I am detained in hospital can my friends and family visit me? Who can see me when I am under section in hospital? Your rights as an inpatient explained Expand You have the right to visits from your family and friends. If the hospital or doctor do not think it is beneficial for you to receive visitors, they must have a very good reason related to your health and safety to stop visits. If visits are stopped, the decision should be recorded and the record should be made available to the Mental Health Act Commission.
Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) allows eligible people with mental illness in crisis to have legal protections from their creditors Expand You can only apply for Breathing Space by seeking advice from a debt adviser. This scheme is only open to people who are under crisis help from a mental health service. You can read the Guidance for money advisors and a factsheet from, the National Debtline
Who are support meetings for? Bipolar UK offer support meetings, usually monthly Expand Meetings are open to all people affected by bipolar, with or without a diagnosis and including related conditions rapid cycling and cyclothymia. Our Support Groups are intended for people aged 18 and above. If you're aged between 16 and 18 you can attend a Support Group if you're accompanied by a parent or guardian You are welcome to bring someone with you to the group to provide you with support. If the carer is acting within a professional capacity, we ask that they attend in this role rather than as an active participant of the group You are welcome whether you are a : family member carer friend partner Some specialist groups are intended for particular people such as family, friends and carers or young people. We also have an occasional session relating to work and learning. Groups are not open for the purposes of academic or other research. They for individuals affected by bipolar to receive support we do not allow people to attend for any academic or professional reasons. Nor are group groups for campaigning - but all groups do receive information from Bipolar UK about local and national mental health campaigns. Find a support groups near you for further details and booking
Is there a cure for bipolar? Bipolar is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. It can be managed to minimise its impact. Expand Although much progress has been made in understanding bipolar, it is a lifelong condition without a cure. Research has still not led to a consensus on either the cause or a cure. However, with good self care bipolar can be managed. Some research suggests that there is, if not a known genetic link, then certainly an inherited predisposition to developing bipolar. It is also known that stressful life events may trigger an episode of mania, hypomania or depression. As our understanding of the function of the brain increases, more insights and more effective medication can be developed. This is why Bipolar UK works in partnership with academia and other research organisations.
Tell me about Quetiapine Summary information about Quetiapine also known as Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron Expand Quetiapine (Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron) Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and it is known by several brand names in the UK: Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron. Information relating to its use, dosage and side effects can be found on the website of the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) - British National Formulary (BNF)
Tell me about Lithium Summary information about Lithium Carbonate, also known as Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel and the liquid version, Lithium Citrate also known as Priadel liquid, Li-liquid Expand Lithium Carbonate (Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel) and Lithium Citrate (Priadel liquid, Li-liquid) Lithium Carbonate and Lithium Citrate are mood stabilising medications used in the treatment of bipolar. Lithium Carbonate is known in the UK by several brand names: Camcolit, Liskonum and Priadel whilst Lithium citrate is known by Priadel liquid or Li-liquid. Information relating to use, dosage and side effects can be found on the website of the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) - British National Formulary (BNF): Information on Lithium Carbonate Information on Lithium Citrate
Women and Bipolar Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support for post-natal illness Expand New mental health guidance for mothers and babies New advice on perinatal mental health services for women, their partners and their families by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in partnership with NHS England and Health Education England. APP - Action on Postpartum PsychosisProvide information to women who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis and their families PNI -Post Natal IllnessInformation and support for those affected by post natal illness Everyone's BusinessA campaign calling for all women throughout the UK who experience perinatal mental health problems to receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.