FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Events and updates

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.

___________________________________________________________________

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

41 - 50 of 175
1...456...18

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 great development! I think that the "what's wrong with me" thing will get better over time, and with luck fade away.

What are you looking forward to now that you have found the right diagnosis and medication?

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

@SusanaBA and @davidharper_bal there is so much knowledge you are bringing to this conversation from both lived experience and professional expertise. We are excited to learn more

Question 2: What are some of the ways that those living with Bipolar and their families can support wellbeing and cope with the impact?

And for the community: What are some of the things that you have found helpful to cope during difficult times in recovery? And, for family friends and carers, what things have you found helpful to support loved ones?

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

sorry I am just feeling sorry for myself tonight. Poor old pea 😞

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

My husband, aged 7,has bipolar, diagnosed 30 years ago. He is on medication but it causes many problems.

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 am not happy about being on medication and the notion that it's a lifelong thing is dispiriting. But without it I don't think I could work, and would struggle more than I already do.

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

As @frog has been saying, finding the right medication can be a great step in the right direction.

Have you gotten some advice from your nurse or psychiatrist about whether the balance is right? For example, it may be that there a specific symptoms (such as drowsiness) that indicate a need for tweaking or change.

I do agree with your nurse that things could go pretty badly if you go off medication without a plan. But that is different to making changes to improve your situation.

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

All good @Bunniekins. It's ok to struggle, but remember to reach out for support if what you're experiencing right now starts to feel too overwhelming. 💚

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

You're allowed to dear @Bunniekins

Sometimes it really sucks. There's no way to sugar coat it.

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

@Daisydreamer What are some of the things that you have found helpful to cope during difficult times in recovery? medication (even though I hate taking it), family, friends, psychiatrist, mental health nurse and of course the Sane forums 😄

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 2: What are some of the ways that those living with Bipolar and their families can support wellbeing and cope with the impact?

Open communication is one of the most important things you can do as person living with bipolar and to help a loved one to recover from bipolar. Below are some key steps you can take:

  1. Keep learning - Finding out as much as you can about bipolar means you can understand what your loved one is experiencing and what you can do to be supportive of their recovery.
  2. Be patient - Some days will be better than others, and it will take time for your loved one to make progress in their recovery journey.
  3. Be understanding - Listen when your loved one talks with you or shares their feelings. Try not to react when if your loved one says things that hurt you; people with bipolar often try to push their loved ones away when they are unwell.
  4. Encourage realistic goals - After an episode, it is important to get back into a normal routine and reconnect with things like education, work, and friendships.
  5. Encourage self-management - Work together with your loved one to identify their episode triggers, and times when they should see their doctor or counsellor.
  6. Access peer support - Get involved with a support group that lets you meet other carers. You and your loved one may also wish to join a bipolar support group together.
  7. Look after yourself - Don't underestimate the impact of your loved one's episodes on you. It is important to have positive friendships and support, and to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You can't help your loved one if you are unwell or exhausted.

http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/resources/coming-home-with-bipolar/

41 - 50 of 175
1...456...18