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
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)
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 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.
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.