I finally got a diagnosis of bipolar in the year 2000. If you were around then will remember that the internet was young, we used to have to dial up to access the 'world wide web' and Google didn't exist – we had Netscape Navigator. It was all a bit clunky, but I discovered there was a world of information out there to help me manage my condition and I have been using digital tools ever since. New programmes and apps are being developed all the time, but these are ten I recommend. My starting criteria are that apps need to be:

• available in all geographical locations
• free of charge, at least for the basic version
• effective
• easy to use 

Stay Alive

A free app for those at risk of suicide and those worried about someone. It's full of resources and includes a safety plan, a 'reasons for living' section which you can customise and a life box where you can store photos that are important to you. 

Moodscope

This mood-lifting app came top in a competition run by DHSC in 2011 to find the top health apps, so it's been around a long time. It's quite fun too.

REACT Toolkit

REACT stands for ‘Relatives Education And Coping Toolkit‘ and is an online self-help package for the family and friends of people with mental health problems associated with psychosis or bipolar disorder. The toolkit has been put together by a team of people with expertise in this area, including clinicians, researchers and relatives of people with the condition.

Woebot

This is a fun little app where you can have text conversations with a 'robot friend'. The programme was developed by psychologists at Stanford and teaches Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques.

Daylio

This is a mood tracker app. You give yourself a simple mood rating every day and can add diary entries into a self-care journal. Simple and easy to use, but you might need to set up your own daily reminder with a Google calendar entry (or similar) if you stick with the basic free version. 

NHS App

The app can be used to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services. The login set up is quite demanding but worth persisting with as the app has information about all health conditions and links to support.

BNF App

This free app is a fantastic digital version of the British National Formulary, the big book about medication that doctors keep on their desks. 

Sleepio

People with bipolar often experience poor sleep which can make the condition worse. Sleepio incorporates an animated facilitator, 'the prof', who guides you to set your goals, test your sleep patterns with an in-depth questionnaire and stick to your plan. 

Bipolar UK eCommunity

This online community is moderated by Bipolar UK staff and an excellent place to get support and self-management tips from other people with the condition. 

Mindfulness works

There's a choice of simple mindful meditations by Michael Chaskalson on this website, as well as details about his books, courses and events. 

*David has kindly made his book available free of charge in the hope that if you find something useful in its pages, you will make a donation or regular giving to Bipolar UK to help other people affected by the condition.