Debt Advice Links to organisations that can support you Expand Links to organisations that can support you PayPlanHelp for people become debt-free through clear, honest advice and debt solutions that work StepChange Debt CharitySupport and information for people caring for a young person with a mental health condition
Drug and Alcohol Service Websites and organisations that offer support and information for substance use and misuse. Expand NHS - Alcohol SupportAdvice and information from the NHS on how to stop drinking. FRANK – National Drugs HelplineYou can speak to a professionally trained advisor to get information about drugs or help with concerns about a family member or friend who is taking drugs. AddactionIt could be their drug or alcohol use or worries about their mental health – Supporting people concerned about their drug or alcohol use or worries about their mental health. DrinklineThe national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am – 8pm, weekends 11am – 4pm). Release Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law. The organisation, founded in 1967, is an independent and registered charity. They offer free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws. They also have an A-Z Index of drugs with information on individual substances. Alcohol Change UK Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merging of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK. They work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol, and offer support and information for people who are dependent on alcohol and their families, friends and loved ones, as well as professionals. Adfam Adfam is the national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs or alcohol.
Tell me about Aripiprazole Summary information about Aripiprazole also known as Abilify Expand Aripiprazole (Abilify) Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic, known in the UK by its brand name Abilify and 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)
What happens at a Bipolar UK support group? Meetings may vary with a general discussion and sharing of experience or a specific topic sometimes with an invited speaker Expand The format of support meetings may differ from place to place and all are guided by our Code of conduct The meetings are led by co-facilitators, trained volunteers who are themselves affected by bipolar in some way. What is the format? Usually people attending will begin by sharing what their mood is like using the Bipolar UK mood scale Then facilitators may invite people to suggest particular topics they would like to talk about Some groups invite external speakers to address their meetings Do I have to speak at a meeting? You do not have to talk at the meeting if you don't want to and in online meetings you can attend with your camera switched off When and where do groups take place? At the time of writing (July 2021) most meetings are online but this will change in the coming months Up-to-date information about our support groups, including times, dates and booking details, can be found on the Find a support group page Will I be expected to come to all the meetings? No, there is no commitment. You can attend as many or as few meetings as you want Do I have to stay for the whole meeting? No, you're free to leave whenever you want
Tell me about Olanzapine Summary information about Olanzapine, also known as Zalasta, Zyprexa, ZypAdhera Expand Olanzapine (Zalasta, Zyprexa, ZypAdhera) Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and it is known under several brand names in the UK: Zalasta, Zyprexa, ZypAdhera. 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)
What information do you have about bipolar in young people? Stories and information about about bipolar in children and young people from our blog: Pendulum Expand Our blog, Pendulum, has a section dedicated to Bipolar in children and young people
Tell me about Fluoxetine Summary information about Fluoxetine also known as Prozac Expand Fluoxetine (Prozac) Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and its brand name in the UK is Prozac. 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)
LGBTQ+ Support Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you more specific support if you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Expand LGBTQ+ organisations MindOut MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. Their staff, volunteers and board of trustees, are all LGBTQ. 100% of their team have lived experience of mental health needs, or caring responsibilities for a person with lived experience. They can offer advice, information, and advocacy support, Peer Support Groups, Peer Mentoring, Online Support and Counselling. AKT (formerly known as The Albert Kennedy Trust) AKT supports LGBTQ+ young people in the UK experiencing homelessness or living in hostile environments to find safe homes, employment, education or training and to celebrate their identities in order to improve their life outcomes. Gendered Intelligence Gendered Intelligence’s mission is to increase understandings of gender diversity. They work with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; they particularly specialize in supporting young trans people aged 8-25. GI offer information, wellbeing advice and support for people who are navigating their transition, and offer a confidential, trans-led support line. Imaan London Imaan London is the UK’s leading LGBTQ Muslim charity, offering a supportive forum for people who are part of this community. London Friend London Friend offers information and support through counselling, online video counselling, social groups, support groups, and information and support around drug and alcohol usage, domestic abuse, sexual health, and support for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers. Pink Therapy Pink Therapy are the largest independent therapy organisation working with gender and sexually diverse clients in the UK. They are committed to offering high quality therapy, and can provide training from qualified and highly experienced therapists, all of whom identify as holding a gender of sexual minority lived experience. They also host a directory of other qualified therapists across the UK who adopt a sexuality-affirmative stance. Stonewall Stonewall works to empower LGBT individuals to be their authentic selves and realise and achieve their full potential, and work with institutions and legal professionals to ensure that everyone is able to live and love equally and fairly, without fear of discrimination. They have a directory of services available across the UK, and information and advice available online. Young Stonewall Young Stonewall is an offshoot of Stonewall, created specifically to support young LGBT people in their journey through coming out, and offers health and wellbeing advice and support. LGBT Health LGBT Health offers support, information and activities, as well as an LGBT helpline, for LGBT people in Scotland. Opening Doors London Opening Doors London (ODL) provides information and support services across the UK to anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans and is over 50.
Tell me about Risperidone Summary information about Risperidone, also known as Risperdal and Risperdal Consta Expand Risperidone (Risperdal and Risperdal Consta) Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and it is known by the brand names Risperdal and Risperdal Consta in the UK. 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)
Older People Links to other websites and organisations that can offer support for older people. Expand The Silver LineOffers a confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK* open every day and night of the year. Our specially trained helpline staff: Offer information, friendship and advice. Age UKAge UK is the country's largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. Royal Voluntary ServiceA charity offering older people practical help, social activities and companionship, as well as support with appointments.
What support does Bipolar UK offer young people? How Bipolar UK offers support to teens and young adults Expand Bipolar UK hosts regular online support meetings which can be accessed by anyone between 16-18 years old with the consent of a responsible adult. Check out our national support groups to find details. People between 16-18 can also access our eCommunity with the consent of a responsible adult. Our blog has stories from young people about their experiences with bipolar. Download our leaflet: Bipolar in children and young people
Second Opinion Perinatal Service Cardiff University offer a second opinion service for bipolar Expand The Cardiff University Psychiatry Service (CUPS) offers second opinion or consultation to patients, with the aim of assisting and advising clinicians and their patients in diagnosis and management. Requests for a second opinion must be made by the doctor in charge of the care of an individual’s mental health (Psychiatrist or GP). It is not possible to accept self-referrals. There is no charge for this service (either to the patient or the referring NHS Trust). Dr Ian Jones is happy to see women via this service who have experienced postpartum psychosis or bipolar disorder and require advice regarding treatment or planning further pregnancies. More information can be found by clicking the link below, or by contacting Cheryl Buchanan, Clinic Coordinator, on 029 2068 8321 or [email protected]
Is an online support meeting right for me? Bipolar UK is hosting online support meetings, find out what's involved Expand We appreciate that not everyone is familiar with technology, nor has access to the right kit, but if you would like to join an online support meeting 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 Visit our Find a Support Group page for details and booking Otherwise, we have a number of alternatives: eCommunity – our online peer forum available 24/7 Peer Support Line – our phone and email service Our website with downloadable resources Our chatbot to ask factual questions about bipolar - on the right side of this page
Outside of the UK Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support worldwide Expand Bipolar UK's eCommunity (Worldwide) Our eCommunity is a supportive online forum for everyone affected by bipolar. It's available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. International Bipolar Foundation (USA) A not for profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Bipolar Disorder through the advancement of research; to promote and enhance care and support services; and to erase associated stigma through public education. FCO Travel AdviceProvides country-by-country advice for UK citizens travelling abroad NHS Fit To TravelTravel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. NHS ChoicesHealth advice for people visiting or moving to England Bipolar UK Travel Insurance infoTravel information and advice for those travelling from the UK with a bipolar diagnosis and recommendations of insurance companies which cover bipolar
Tell me about Haloperidol Summary information about Haloperidol also known as Dozic, Haldol, Haldol decanoate or Serenace Expand Haloperidol (Dozic, Haldol, Haldol Decanoate, Serenace) Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and it is known by several brand names in the UK: Dozic, Haldol, Haldol decanoate or Serenace. 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)