Support Groups For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder and other serious brain diseases are an extreme challenge not only for the person afflicted, but for the entire family. It helps a great deal to be able to talk with other people who have, or are, going though the same things that you are – to share tips and local resources in coping, and to work together in getting the best possible treatment in your city or area. Below is are good sources on for finding such a support group. Also listed are the National Mental Health Offices that should be able to help with regard to the governmental services for mental health. If there isn’t a support group in your area start one – the national offices of each of these organizations are usually more than willing to help! Also – for quick and immediate support – join in the Bipolar Focus support group discussion areas listed on the home page. If we’ve missed a group below – please let us know ([email protected])

In the USA – We recommend you contact you local office of NAMI: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
- For a listing of local NAMI chapters check here: NAMI list of Local Chapters/Affiliates
- Some of the good local chapter web sites include: New York Metro NAMI, and California NAMI
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance ( previously called the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association)
- US Department of Health and Social Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Local Office Locator
- National Mental Health Association – Local Office Locator
- New York Support Consumer-Published Publication – New York City Voices
In Canada, Join the Mood Disorders Society of Canada – and also (if appropriate – and the diagnosis is unclear) check out the local chapter of The Schizophrenia Society of Canada and provincial chapters
- Here is a good example of a more progressive approach to providing information to the public,: PsychosisSucks
- Canadian Mental Health Association – Office Locator
Other International Support Organizations:
- Manic Depression Fellowship – U.K. based support and services organization
- International Society for Bipolar Disorders – requires a membership fee to join, but has some info available for free as well
- Mood Disorders Associaton of Manitoba, Canada
- Balance: New Zealand Manic Depressive Network
- Dutch Association for Manic-Depressives (Netherlands) – site in Dutch only
- Fundacion de Bipolares de Argentina (FUBIPA) – Spanish support organization and website w/ thirteen regional groups in Argentina
- German Society for Bipolar Disorder – site in German only
For other countries please visit: Worldwide Support Organizations List
Visit the World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders – it is a worldwide support organization for family-oriented support groups.

Free Support Courses on Brain Diseases for Family Members: We also highly recommend that you take a course offered by NAMI (if its available in your area) called Family to Family – a 12 week course that helps family members deal with serious brain disorders.