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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

Hi everybody

My name is David, and I'm the General Manager at Bipolar Australia. I'm a bit late to the party, but happy to be here to share my perspective along with Susana.

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

@Meowmy@frog Hi ladies do you goth hear voices and have delusions?

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

For those who might be interested in the science behind Bipolar, here’s what happens in the brain:

People with bipolar are often sensitive to changes in the chemicals used by the brain to control mood. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Some of the neurotransmitters that are related to bipolar disorder include serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.

Serotonin is connected to many bodily functions such as sleep, wakefulness, eating, sexual activity, impulsivity, learning, and memory. Researchers believe that abnormal functioning of brain circuits that involve serotonin as a chemical messenger contribute to mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Noradrenaline plays a role in the switch to a manic episode and altering these circuits can help with the treatment of a depressive episode.

Dopamine is a chemical that regulates pleasure and emotional reward in the body. When dopamine circuits are disrupted there appears to be a connection to mania and psychosis.

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

@Bunniekins hey darling pea, I am sure of my actual symptoms. When I was sick, I had delusions about things and people,but no voices.

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

Question 2: For the community: What is your experience with Bipolar Disorder and how has it impacted your life?
Not sure we have the right label (Im not sure how much i should worry about labels) as he suffers episodes of deep depressive moods, there is never any highs.
As his partner it has been a difficult path, adversely affecting my mental health in turn affecting our children

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 @frog

That's a lot longer than the normal period between onset and diagnosis, which is about 10 years. I imagine that it was a rough ride.

What are some of the things that you've been able to achieve (actions, insights, relationships) now that you understand the "why" of your mood?

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

@BunniekinsI experienced paranoia and visual hallucinations at the time I was diagnosed, but not since. Touch wood. No voices.

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 will happy to explain, just ask

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


@frog wrote:

Hear you @Bunniekins

Even when I'm well, I struggle with overwhelming emotions and am almost always aware that I'm riding a wave up or down. There's not much middle ground.

I was grateful for the diagnosis, after 30 years of feeling that my experience was different. It helped me make sense of my life.


Getting a diagnosis can be so lifechanging @frog, and really unique person to person. I am so glad to hear it was a validating experience for you💙

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 Shaz51

It's great to hear that you are so supportive of your husband. What are some of the tips that you would give to other carers?

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