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Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Hi there and welcome to our Topic Tuesday Live Event 👋

On the 30th of March every year, World Bipolar Day is celebrated by thousands of people from across the globe. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness and understanding of Bipolar Disorder within our communities and reduce stigma. There are so many ways you can use your voice, and share your story this World Bipolar Day, starting right here in our forums community.

Next week we welcome Bipolar Australia as our special guest who will be starting their week long celebrations leading up to World Bipolar Day here in the SANE Forums.

Join us Tuesday the 23rd of March from 7:00-8:30pm AEDT this live Q&A style chat

What topics will we cover?

We will be talking many different topics from understanding bipolar disorders, to the role of connection and self-management, some of the recent research, and what we will be doing to raise awareness and use our voice this World Bipolar Day.

Both our Lived Experience, and Friends, Family and Carers Forum members and visitors are welcome to join us for this live event! We will have questions for our guest and questions for our community, so feel free to jump in and share your story with us too.

Here's a little bit more about Bipolar Australia

"Bipolar Australia is a national non- profit organisation put together by people with bipolar disorders, caregivers and professionals. We are in the benefit of person-to-person approach, in bringing awareness to bipolar, in psych education and in encouraging Peer Bipolar and Inclusive Support Groups, for people living with bipolar, carers, families and friends.

Our Vision is for all people affected by bipolar disorders to live in a culturally diverse Australian society free from social stigma. Our Mission is to educate Australians about bipolar disorders, fostering understanding and sensitivity towards those affected, to be accepted in an all-inclusive society.

Nowadays bipolar can be diagnosed, treated, and managed. Recovery is possible."

Please join us here on Tuesday the 23rd of March 2021 from 7:00pm-8:30pm AEDT to follow this conversation.

Want to receive a reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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I'm new here - what is this?

The event runs from 7:00pm-8:30pm AEDT and is a live, facilitated Q&A style discussion with a special guest who is a subject matter expert. Each fortnight we focus on a different topic with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator, and joined by a Peer Support Worker.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Our text-based event takes place right here! As it is text-based, no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the newest comments (posts don't automatically load). The refresh button looks like this: Keep an eye out for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post. We recommend using a desktop computer or laptop for the event for overall ease of use .

Throughout the session, the facilitator will post questions for the guest to answer, and you can provide your answer too. To contribute to the event, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong, and everyone is welcome to get involved!

If you can't make it to the live event, but are still interested in the topic, you can always read back through this discussion at a later time.

What time does this event start in my timezone?

  • AEDT - 7:00pm
  • AEST - 6:00pm
  • ACDT - 6:30pm
  • ACST - 5:30pm
  • WST - 4:00pm

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, check out our Forum Community Guidelines and FAQs.

Topic Tuesday discussions can cover some heavy topics. If you are feeling distress during this live discussion, there are support options available to you. You can start a new discussion on the forums and talk to other members, contact the SANE Help Centre on 1800 18 7263, or find crisis support options here.

175 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Greenpea, I can hear you so well

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

love it. kokky. Im ok with the family, but tailor myself more out in the community

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

I can hear just how many people have found over time what works for them and their loved ones, which brings to light the deeply unique the journey of recovery.

Question 4: @SusanaBAThere has been some recent research into self management of Bipolar Disorder. What were some of the key areas stemming from that research that can support recovery?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

@Bunniekins I had a lot of emotional eating. There were times,the only thing to make me feel okay is food.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT


@Olga wrote:

I am afraid I have worn my family and friends a bit out over the years. I have no peer support as such but getting support from my psychiatrist when I see her


I'm so sorry to hear @Olga 💜 I hope you know that here you are among peers, and there will always be people here at SANE to listen and support you

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

@Olga Olga x

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Hello Beautiful Sweet @Bunniekins

I treat it all with some detachment I guess. Those who know me and my family history will understand. A couple years ago pdoc suggested I might have BiPolar Mixed State, but my son felt that was most unlikely. A lot of trauma passed through the generations has emerged as a fair bit of MI and also being attracted to those with MI. Personally I try and minimise meds, but accept them as part of my life. Been trying to get off them for 30 years now ... ha ha. Gotta laugh better than crying.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Hi @Bunniekins

I think it's brave of you to keep fighting to be the best you can be for your family. It's very common for people with bipolar to have difficulties communicating with their loved ones, and sometimes family members have difficulty understanding why the person they care so much about is behaving differently. This can lead to a bit of an over-reaction to normal parts of life - a laugh, some tears, etc.

BIpolar Australia has a great booklet for family members, which you can read here.

It's also a good idea to communicate with your loved ones about your concerns. I suspect they care greatly for you, which is why they are worried about the "kooky" stuff. After all, sometimes people with bipolar can't see the onset of mania until it's too late.

Perhaps you could talk with your family to develop a list of signs that are "kooky" versus warning signs?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

yes @Olga , i will tag you after if you like xxxx

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Question 4: @SusanaBAThere has been some recent research into self management of Bipolar Disorder. What were some of the key areas stemming from that research that can support recovery?

The research list 6 key wellbeing strategies for Bipolar Disorder, they are:

1) Managing sleep, diet, rest and exercise

The following list was shown to help stablise mood:

- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

- Eating healthy foods and eating at regular times throughout the day.

- Taking time out and resting such as lying down and watching TV.

- Engaging in regular and rountine exercise.

This might all sound like very simple straight forward advice but it has been shown to be effective and it is an inexpensive way to stablise your mood and take control of your life.

2) Ongoing monitoring

Paying close attention to your moods. It can take a lot of self-awareness to understand your personal behavioural patterns and warning signs. Always think before you act and try to keep calm even when in difficult situations. You could try cancelling social engagements when you think you have too much on. Notice when you are being critical on yourself for things that happened in the past and don’t be so hard on yourself. By learning what your early warning signs are you can make minor life adjustments to better help you regulate your mood.

3) Reflective and meditative practices

Keep a journal. Write about things you are grateful for. Write down the thoughts that are troubling you. Put them all down paper instead of in your head. Engage in meditation, yoga or Tai Chi – these activities can help you with your self-monitoring and help you get it touch with your zone of stability.

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