Employment links Other websites and organisations that can offer you support for workplace related issues Expand ACASProvides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. You can call the ACAS Helpline on 0300 123 1100 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm) Shaw TrustProvide support to people who need help to be independent, economically active and to contribute to society. Disability rights overviewOverview of the rights that protect you from discrimination Do-It - VolunteeringVolunteering can boost your confidence and make you more employable. The UK’s national volunteering database, Do-it.org makes it easy for anyone to volunteer in their community.
Writing an Advance Choice document A leaflet offering advice about making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Expand Find out more about advance planning for people with bipolar disorder – making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Download the Advance Choice template leaflet For more personal experiences and information read our blog: Medication and treatment
Can i get help with debt? The Debt Respite Scheme allows eligible people with mental illness in crisis to have legal protections from their creditors Expand If you have problem debt and you meet the eligibility criteria and conditions and you are receiving mental health crisis treatment, you may be eligible for help under this scheme. You can read the Guidance for money advisors and a factsheet from, the National Debtline
Legal Advice and Support Helpful links to other websites and organisations that can offer you legal advice and support Expand Citizens AdviceFree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities Mind Legal LineProvides legal information and general advice on mental health related law covering; mental health, mental capacity, community care, human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues. Advice NowAn independent, not-for-profit website, providing accurate information on rights and the law. British Institute of Human RightsProviding people with authoritative and accessible information about human rights. Find a solicitorA free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales Equality Advisory and Support ServiceAssists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales LibertyLiberty is a human rights organisation that runs a free human rights advice service for members of the public and voluntary organisations.
If I want to have a baby what do I need to know? Information on planning for pregnancy and childbirth Expand Women with bipolar are at particular risk of having a severe episode of illness such as postpartum psychosis (PP). Bipolar UK has produced a leaflet on this subject. There is also a podcast you can listen to featuring a talk between Psychiatrist Dr Ian Jones and Clare Dolman, (Vice Chair of Bipolar UK) about how bipolar can affect women, particularly during pregnancy and after birth. You can also find more information about postpartum psychosis and how to avoid or cope with it on the APP website where you can find details of a Second Opinion perinatal service. To see one couple's experience check out the video below.
Armed Forces Links to other websites and organisations that can offer information and support to current and former members of the armed forces, as well as their families. Expand Combat StressProvide timely, effective clinical treatment and welfare support to Veterans who suffer from psychological wounds. SSAFAWorks in partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to ensure that those who need help get the support they need. The Royal British LegionProvides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community - serving men and women, veterans, and their families. The Army Families FederationAFF is the voice of the Army family. It empowers, acts as an advocate and an expert witness to promote a quality of life, which reflects the Armed Forces Covenant. Veterans Outreach Support (VOS)It is a unique meld of public, private and charity sectors offering one-stop assistance, including legal, housing, financial, employment help and mental health support. Veterans-AidOrganisation providing immediate practical support, as well as longer term counselling, rehabilitation and medical treatment. ABF The Soldiers’ CharitySupport for soldiers and former soldiers from the British Army, and their immediate families, when they are in need.
What sort of medical help can I expect in pregnancy? Medication guidance for women thinking about having a baby Expand There are national guidelines which recognize the special needs of women with bipolar disorder from pre-pregnancy through to postpartum care, such as the NICE ‘Antenatal and Postnatal Mental Health’ Guideline (2014). You can also find excellent information on the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website. The RCPsych website also has very useful leaflets on lithium and antipsychotics in pregnancy, mental health in pregnancy, postnatal depression and postpartum depression. This is also the reason why Bipolar UK is a member of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) so we can campaign for an end to the current postcode lottery in maternal mental health services.
Tell me about Sodium Valproate Summary information about Sodium Valproate, also known as Epilim and Depakote Expand Sodium Valproate (Epilim, Depakote) Sodium Valproate is an anti-seizure medication used as a mood stabiliser in the treatment of bipolar disorder and its brand name in the UK are Epilim and Depakote. 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)
Should I come off my medication to have a baby? Your doctor will advise what is best with regards to medication and pregnancy Expand This can only be decided on an individual basis and preferably with advice from a perinatal psychiatrist taking into account your own personal history. However, it is the case that many contemporary perinatal experts do not regard some medications, notably lithium, as being as harmful to the fetus as previously believed. Thus many women have stayed well on their lithium while pregnant with no ill-effects to the baby. If medication is continued, it is important to monitor mother and baby closely.
Health and Medication links Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support and information about medication and health issues Expand NHS ChoicesEverything you need to know about the health service and what you can get from it eMC - The electronic Medicines CompendiumA not for profit organisation aiming providing up to date, accurate and comprehensive information about medicines to healthcare professionals, patients and the general public. Royal College of Psychiatrists The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body responsible for education and training, and setting and raising standards in psychiatry. Bipolar Disorder Research NetworkThe largest network of individuals with bipolar disorder and related mood disorders in the world.
Children and young people's mental health Directory of other organisations that support children and young people's mental health Expand Here are some other organisations that provide advice and support for teens and young adults: Childline You can call them on 0800 1111 or visit their website: www.childline.org.uk Young Minds The UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Youth Access Get information on the advice and counselling services available to you. The Mix The UK's leading support service for young people, The Mix can help with all challenges that young people might be facing; from mental health to money, housing support, finding a job, relationships and everything in between. Doc Ready Doc Ready is a free app that helps you to prepare for mental health related appointments with your GP Nightline Nightline provide emotional support to students in distress. The helpline is open throughout the night during term time. Student Minds The UK's student mental health charity, delivering research-driven training and support to equip students to bring about positive change on their campuses Students Against Depression Offering information and resources validated by health professionals alongside tips and advice from students who have experienced it all themselves. Meic Cymru Information, advice and support helpline for young people in Wales. If your life is in a bit of a tangle or you have a problem and need to speak to someone, MEIC is for you. See Me Scotland Helping you to understand the problems you might face and what you can do to look after your friends. Mind- Children & Young People MIND are a large mental health charity offering information and advice on a wide range of mental health conditions. Children’s Society Children’s Society provide support to children across the UK who are vulnerable; this is everything from children who are at risk of exploitation, young refugees and migrants to children who are adopted, affected by substance misuse or have a mental health diagnosis. Papyrus Papyrus provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK. Renaissance Foundation The Renaissance Foundation support people aged 13-19 who are going through significant life challenges, including at-risk young people, those in hospital and young carers.
Information and Advice Services Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support. Expand Citizens Advice Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities GOV.UKThe best place to find government services and information SamaritansA confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland. Bipolar ScotlandProviding information, support and advice to 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. SANEWorking 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 Compassion in DyingHelping you plan ahead to ensure your wishes will be respected. A national charity working to inform and empower people to exercise their rights and choices around end-of-life care.
How do i register for or join a support meeting? Guidance for joining face to face and online Bipolar UK support meetings Expand Online support meetings Local meetings You can join a local zoom meeting - check our Find a Support Group page for details - by emailing [email protected] stating the name and date of the group you want to attend in the subject line of the email. You will be sent joining details by email. National and specialist meetings For national or specialist meetings (aimed at particular groups or about a particular topic), please Visit our online events diary. Face to face meetings At the time of writing (April 2021) we do not have any face to face meetings taking pace and we hope this will change over the summer For up to date details of online and face to face meetings go to: Find a support group near you
Tell me about Lamotrigine Summary information about Lamotrigine also known as Lamictal Expand Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Lamotrigine is an anti-seizure medication used as a mood stabiliser in the treatment of bipolar disorder and its brand name in the UK is Lamictal. 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 Lurasidone Summary information about Lurasidone also known as Latuda Expand Lurasidone (Latuda) Lurasidone is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and its brand name in the UK is Latuda. 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)