IBPF logo
From the International Bipolar Foundation, click to visit our website


     

Greetings!

 

Wow - what a dynamo month February was! We launched our book; Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, held a webinar with stand-up comic David Granier from Canada, hosted our monthly lecture about IEP's with Dr. Sara Frampton, and held our annual fundraiser Click!

This month, although hard to believe, we have even more exciting news to share, but you'll have to stay tuned - the cat's not out of the bag yet:-)

To your health,

Muffy Walker

 

P.S. Feel free to also contact me at anytime Muffy

Our new mailing address: 8895 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 105-360 San Diego CA 92122  

 

 


March 7, 2012   
If you are in a crisis,
please call:
 
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
or
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Join Our Mailing List
                                                   It's FINALLY here!!!!
International Bipolar Foundation is proud to announce the release of our book:
Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder
                                                     


The book is geared to both the person with bipolar disorder and their caregivers. Fourteen chapters, each written by an expert in the field, are included in a 3-ring binder.

The Consumer Advisory Board for IBPF felt it was important for people to have an easily accessible "compendium" of information. The binder format allows users to add handouts from their mental health providers and update chapters without having to order a new book.

Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder is broken into 3-sections;

  1. About Bipolar Disorder including chapters on children & adolescents, suicide, substance abuse, medication treatment, stigma and pregnancy
  2. Healthy Living includes chapters on family life and relationships, nutrition, spirituality and faith, the workplace, college, social interactions and the caregiver
  3. Resources including Medication Charts (English & Spanish), Medication Side Effect Checklist, Mood Chart, Exercise Journal, Food Log, Doctor Contact Sheet, Questions to Ask Your Doctor, and U.S. and International Mental Health Resources.

In addition to these information rich chapters, the book has country-specific chapters written by consumers and professionals from countries around the world. There are currently eight such chapters with more being added weekly.

 

This book is available free of charge to you! Go to our web site www.InternationalBipolarFoundation.org or click here 

 

 

   

 

IBPF FREE LECTURE SERIES
video
Our Lecture Series are now available for viewing on our web site!! Click here
  • The 5 Most Common Mental Issues Teens Face - Dr. Thomas Jensen
  • Going to College with Bipolar Disorder - Dr. Russ Federman
  • Runaway Mind - Maggie Reese
  • A Novel Approach to Treating Bipolar Disorder - Depression Bipolar Institute
  • Irwin Rosenfarb: Family Treatment for Bipolar Disorder   
  • Maricela Estrada: "My Recovery: A Story of Hope and Inspiration"    
  • Dr. Sarah Frampton, Educational Advocate: How to Navigate Educational Services in a School Environment     

Thursday, March 8, 2012 

Carol Battaglia: Planning ahead for a child with Mental Illness

Carol S. Battaglia has been in private practice as a solo practitioner for over 20 years. As part of her estate planning practice, she routinely works with families who have disabled family members to create estate plans using special needs trusts. She also assists trial lawyers in establishing court-created special needs trusts, designing structured settlements and implementing other strategies to receive an injured party's settlement funds while maintaining eligibility for government assistance benefits. Ms. Battaglia is a member of the sections on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Section of the San Diego County Bar Association, and the Estate Planning Council of San Diego. She is also the Southern California member of the Special Needs Alliance, which is a national network of lawyers dedicated to Disability and Public Benefits Law. She has been working with the Special Needs Trust Foundation of San Diego since 2002 on their project of adding self-settled special needs trusts to their program for which she wrote the master trust agreement. Currently, she is the author of a chapter in the CEB's new book on Special Needs Trusts. She is a frequent speaker and author on special needs trusts and other means of maintaining needs based public benefits. The national attorney's directory, Martindale-Hubbell, gives Ms. Battaglia it's highest rating of A/V. 

 

5:30-6:00- SOCIAL 6:00-6:45-LECTURE 6:45-7:00- Q & A  

Location: Sanford Children's Research Center, Building 12 Address: 10905 Road to Cure, San Diego 92121  

   

Save the date for these lectures in La Jolla:       

    April 12, 2012- John McManamy - consumer, activist 

    May 10, 2012- Suzanne Fiala, MD - pediatrician who has bp

    June 14, 2012- Lis Eyler, PhD - research project


    A special THANK YOU to Sanford|Burnham Medical Research Institute for donating the space for these lectures.
                                                                      sanford burnham
                             Click! - a smashing success!!!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's fundraiser a success. We raised close to $100,000 which will go towards funding our programs, services and medical research.

Congratulations to Dr. Guang Chen who received our Hope Award.  

Dr. John C. Reed; Co-chair of SAB &
Dr. Guang Chen


The HOPE Award is given to an individual or
organization whose public efforts improve care, support

and access to mental health treatment &/or champions to erase the stigma of mental illness and instills hope in families, communities and the nation. Read about Dr. Chen here







Congratulations to Maurice Benard; winner of our Imagine Award.
Maurice benard
Maurice Benard and Executive Board member Ellen Frudakis

IMAGINE Award

is given to a person who has bipolar disorder who sees beyond the illness and can imagine a future free of barriers, stigma, and discrimination. The recipient empowers others by sharing their story instilling hope and inspiration.  Read about Maurice Benard here

Therese's Corner  

Therese Borchard 

 


 

6 Ways to Stay Effective At Work When You're Depressed  

By THERESE J. BORCHARD

Associate Editor

 

How do you work when you're depressed?

I get that question a lot. Here's the honest answer: I can't.

At least at my rock bottom, I wasn't able to work. My efforts failed miserably because my self-confidence was way below sea level - so all it did was bring on more frustration. read the rest here

webinar 

 

Want to learn more about all  

International Bipolar Foundation has to offer?

Join our Webinar

Tuesday, March 20; 1:00pm PST  

 

Space is limited. 

                                          Reserve your Webinar seat now at: here

 

                        



NEWS AROUND THE WORLD




A United Nations General Assembly Special Session for Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders: The Time Has Come Read the report here

 

 

IRAN:

 

Mood disorders insight scale: Validation of Persian version here
Persian version of the Mood Disorder Insight Scale (MDIS) could be a useful instrument for assessing insight in patients with bipolar I disorder. here

SWITZERLAND:
agile 1/12: Travailler pour vivre ou vivre pour travailler?
Le travail est � la fois source de revenus, moyen d'int�gration, norme sociale et �l�ment essentiel pour se r�aliser. Et pour les personnes avec un handicap? A-t-il forc�ment le m�me sens? Le dossier du dernier num�ro d'�agile - handicap et politique� est consacr� au r�le du travail, vu de mani�re g�n�rale et sp�cifique - avec des t�moignages de personnes handicap�es.

Journ�e des malades 2012
�Vie professionnelle et soins: comment concilier les deux?�: tel est le slogan de la Journ�e des malades 2012. A c�t� des manifestations pr�vues, la Pr�sidente de la Conf�d�ration Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf lancera dimanche 4 mars un appel national sur le �Work and Care�, soit la conciliation entre travail, vie priv�e et soin d'un proche.
www.agile.ch

IRELAND:
Living brain cells used in research
Scientists are growing living brain cells from skin samples which could help research into treatments for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh are growing the cells from skin samples taken from families known to carry faulty genes, which are believed to cause mental illness.

UNITED KINGDOM:
 Research into Bipolar
DERBYSHIRE Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a national research study investigating the causes of bipolar disorder.
Anyone who has experienced one or more episodes of high mood (mania, hypomania or bipolar disorder) at some point in their lives is invited to take part in the study.
Those who take part will receive a visit from a trained researcher who will conduct an interview, take a blood sample and help with completion of questionnaires.
For more information on the study, telephone 0121 3012 361 or email [email protected].
****
MHF announces:
We're really excited to be able to share a recent success with you. The House of Lords has voted to include our amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill to give the same importance to mental health care as to physical health care.
****
Understanding Mental Capacity - free report here


SOUTH AFRICA:
Munching for Mental Health Fly to London for Dinner with a Difference
R100 per entry
In support of its Suicide Crisis Helpline, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is giving South Africans the chance to contribute to suicide prevention in the country and in return stand a chance to win 2 return tickets to London courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, as well as dinner for 4 at Gordon Ramsay's world-famous P�trus Restaurant. This is an unforgettable dining experience, especially for those who never miss a Gordon Ramsay show, who own each one of his recipe books and who love recreating his master meals at home.
Aside from the main prize, you could win the second prize of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet or the third prize of a 3-night bed and breakfast stay for 2 at the exquisite 5 star Winston Hotel in Melrose Estate (www.thewinstonhotel.co.za).
If you would like to buy tickets or help SADAG sell tickets, you can also contact Roshni Seetha on 011 262 6396 or 072 270 6945. As a thank you gift from SADAG, the person who sells the most tickets towards suicide prevention will receive a Kindle E-Reader.
All 1 000 tickets need to be sold by 21 May 2012, when entries close. The draw will take place on 28 May 2012.


bpmag logo

 
Medicare coverage cut for outpatient therapy
APAPO, February 17, 2012-Medicare recipients currently receiving mental health outpatient services stand to be affected by the payroll tax legislation passed by Congress. As a result of the new law, which President Obama is expected to sign, payment for Medicare outpatient psychotherapy services will be cut by 5 percent beginning March 1.

"Some of the most vulnerable in our country will be affected by this law," says Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, executive director for professional practice of the American Psychological Association Practice Organization. "These cuts will impact funding not only for psychotherapy outpatient services, but to community behavioral health centers, state hospitals and private hospitals with mental and behavioral health units." more here

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More programs needed to reduce suicide risk

Newswise, February 15, 2012-Responding to rising suicide rates in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended increasing counseling, job placement and financial services that can help reduce mental distress. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org) reported a 14 percent increase in call volume between 2010 and 2011.

"Services and education have been proven to save lives," said Lisa Firestone, PhD, a key player in The Glendon Association's Violence & Suicide Prevention Alliance in California. "Armed with the right tools to identify the warning signs and implement helper tasks, we can fight this crisis."  more here
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POINTS TO PONDER.
Help from parents, partners, and pals
 By bp Columnist Steve Propst

For those of us who have bipolar disorder, we are kidding ourselves if we think we can go it alone. While one of the most profound determinants of making a positive recovery is having support from family and friends, supporting someone with a chronic illness is not easy. When family and friends understand how things are for those of us with bipolar, it helps move us along the road to recovery and helps us all live more harmoniously.
For those who support us, there are ways to reduce stress, improve relationships, and make for a better overall quality of life for everyone. Whether the person has been diagnosed as having bipolar and is compliant, or refuses to admit that anything is even wrong, having the right attitude and the necessary basic knowledge is key. Here are 10 points to keep in mind if you're serious about offering support that helps, not hinders.

1. Never give up hope
2. Take some time
3. Face the facts
4. Adopt the right attitude
5. Get educated
6. Treat us like adults
7. Give us some space
8. Forget the past
9. Take care of yourself
10. Find a healthy balance
*****************
Women, hormones and mood
Before puberty, the risk of depression is about the same in girls and boys.
Once puberty hits, girls are roughly twice as likely to develop depression as boys.
Why? Hormonal changes that create "windows of risk" throughout a woman's life span. here

 
FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION!
taxClick here to view the flyer regarding FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION! Please have your consumers call our office to schedule an appointment on any Thursday beginning February 2 through April 12th. The hours we will have income tax preparers here are between 12:00 and 3:00.  
 
Reminder that there is valet parking in front, and guest parking in the east lot, immediately to your right when you enter our site.  
 
Feel free to share this with people that could benefit - which is almost everyone! Don't let people you know leave money on the table - every little bit helps, and you might even learn about some other services you might benefit from!  
 
Thanks,  
Mary Ellen Stives, Executive Director 
Area Board XIII - Office of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities 
8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 250 
San Diego, CA 92108 
(619) 688-3323 
(619)688-4241 Spanish 
(619) 688-3296 Fax 
*****    
Every year from February 1 to April 15, the AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program offers the nation's largest free income tax preparation service for low to moderate income Americans. To find a site near you, go to www.foundation.aarp.org/GetTaxHelp 
Grand Opening in Seattle! - Our first success story

Friday, January 27th, 2012, on a sparkling sun- drenched day we celebrated the Grand Opening of Seattle's first private residential treatment program for the mentally ill - Hanbleceya Treatment Center. After 2 years of work 16 philanthropic individuals have committed to make Seattle history and help solve our mental health crisis. More than 70 attendees visited our beautiful new clinic, toured our semi-independent housing, met the Seattle and San Diego staff, enjoyed incredible refreshments provided by City Catering and relaxed to Native American flute music.
more here
lobbyoffice
                                                         BOOK CORNER

Your Voice in My Head
  voice in my head
Emma Forrest's memoir about having a mental illness-in her case, a type of bipolar disorder with rapid cycling between depression and mania-is engrossing and involving. She knows how to write poetically and viscerally, conveying the pain and despair of her illness in vivid terms. At times she comes across as self-absorbed and irritating in her self-abuse, but that is the often the nature of mental illness. When something goes wrong with your mind, it is difficult to control your thoughts and behavior; Forrest shows this well. 


balancing beastBalancing the Beast
By JOE KRAYNAK 

 

About a year ago, a friend of a friend of mine from Slovenia, Helena Smole, sent me her book, Balancing the Beast: A Bright View of Schizoaffective Disorder - Bipolar or Manic-Depressive Type. 

 

I tend to drag my feet when asked to do book reviews, and I was turned off by the use of the phrase "mental patient" on the cover (in a quote from someone other than Helen Smole, but it still made me hesitant to read the book). 

 

Well, I finally recovered from my knee-jerk reaction and read the book. I'm glad I did. Smole provides keen insight into the experience of a severe mental breakdown, important reminders about taking enough time and investing enough focus on recovery, and helpful information on the treatments, therapies, self-help techniques, and supports that she has tried over the course of her recovery and is currently practicing to maintain her mental health and well-being. 

 

People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses and their loved ones are likely to benefit from Smole's description of the series of breakdowns she experienced on the road to accepting the fact that she has a mental illness. She describes the fear and denial she had to overcome. Her over 11 years of denial seem inconceivable, but when you read about her journey, it seems perfectly understandable why the diagnosis can be so difficult to accept. 

 

What struck me most about Smole's journey is how hard she worked at her recovery, and this is true for many who struggle with mental illness. It is almost like a full-time or at least a half-time job to keep appointments with doctors and therapists, research the illness and different medication and treatment options, keep a log of moods and medication changes, engage in therapy and self-help strategies, and make lifestyle adjustments to remove stressors and triggers. 

 

Smole also reminds us that recovery doesn't necessarily mean a return to life as it was before diagnosis. Recovery can be a rebirth, a transformation to a new and better life. Such a hopeful message is always welcome. 
You can order Balancing the Beast on Amazon.com. For more about Helena Smole, visit www.HelenaSmole.com

The Circle Gamecircle game
Retirement didn't come easily to Cory de Groot Whitehead. 
 
After a busy 32-year career -- 26 in the U.S. Navy and six years in the federal government's Senior Executive Service -- Whitehead needed a project to keep her busy. 
 
So the retired Navy captain started writing. She wrote about the challenges she faced in her career as she battled alcoholism and the effects of bipolar disorder and the success she had despite it all. 
 
The two-year writing process turned into a book, "The Circle Game," published by Ithaca Press and released earlier this month on Amazon. 
 
Besides allowing her to stay busy, Whitehead wanted her book to convey the courage and determination it took to rise to the top of the ranks and tell others who deal with addiction or mental illness that all things are possible, she said. 
 
"I retired unexpectedly because of my bipolar situation," she said. "What I realized while writing the book was that my life today is because of the things that I am. I am who I am today because of everything I've been through, (which) has been quite a lot." 
 
Whitehead's journey with the problems she faced during early childhood and adolescence set the stage for serious substance abuse -- her father was too busy with work and her mother was entrenched with her own alcohol problems to notice or care how it was destroying her daughter's early life -- and the use of alcohol was the substitute she used to replace normal social development through high school and college. 
 
In her book, Whitehead describes a Naval career dedicated to hard work and sheer determination. Her assignments demonstrated the confidence the Navy showed in her abilities and talents. Through rehab, the Navy literally saved her life and she paid them back with her success. Keeping her manic depression from prying eyes, Whitehead continuously fought to overcome its manifestions. Through it all she was able to rise above the challenges she faced and held the highly sought position of commanding officer of the Navy's only boot camp of more than 130,000 sailors. 
 
"(I was the) first woman to do so," she said of being commanding officer of one of the Navy's biggest commands. "So I feel when you talk about success, that was it. It was a huge challenge and I loved every day of it." 
 
The response from family and friends has been great, she said. Her children are proud and friends who've read the book said it's a whole other side of her they're seeing, Whitehead said. 
 
"When you write an autobiography you expose yourself very much and it was difficult sometimes writing it and yet I think family, friends and new friends get to know me a little better," she said. "So people are a little surprised to hear (about the alcoholism and bi-polar disorder) but it's good for people to know that I'm a normal human being who just has some challenges I have to take care of." 

CURRENT NEWS


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INNOVATIVE HEALTH: Healthy brain -- healthy digestive tract
You may ask, "what does the digestive tract have to do with my brain?" The answer is a lot. Scientists, from cellular biologists to neurologists, have been finding that there is an association between the condition of the digestive tract and neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autism, ADHD/ADD, depression, bipolar disorder, mood swings, anxiety and more. People with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel disorder or leaky gut syndrome, often exhibit anxiety, panic disorders, and depression. here
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Forest, Gedeon report positive Phase III bipolar I disorder trial data
Forest Laboratories and Gedeon Richter have reported positive results from Phase III trial of cariprazine (RGH-188), an investigational antipsychotic agent, in patients with acute mania associated with bipolar I disorder.
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Systematic review of beliefs, behaviors and influencing factors associated with disclosure of a mental health problem in the workplace
By presenting evidence from the perspective of individuals on both sides of the employment interaction, this review provides integrated perspective on the impact of disclosure of a mental health problem on employment outcomes. here
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Food intake and blood cholesterol levels of community-based adults with mood disorders
Much research has proposed multiple ways in which healthier diets may exert protective effects on mental health. The results of this study suggest that adults with mood disorders could benefit from nutritional interventions to improve diet quality. here
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Social cognition and global functioning in bipolar disorder
The purpose of this study was to assess the role of social cognition, together with other relevant clinical variables and measures of general cognition, in the global functioning of euthymic bipolar patients. Social cognition may play a significant role in the clinical-functional gap of bipolar patients. here
*******
Genome-Wide Association Study of Temperament in Bipolar Disorder Reveals Significant Associations with Three Novel Loci
The results suggest that aspects of temperament might define subtypes of bipolar disorder that are more clinically and genetically homogenous, which might aid in the identification of predisposing genetic variants. here
*****
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy improves frontal control in bipolar disorder: a pilot EEG study
Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) show decreased attentional readiness and activation of non-relevant information processing during attentional processes. These data are the first that show, Mindfulness based cognitive therapy in BD improved attentional readiness, and attenuated activation of non-relevant information processing during attentional processes. here
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Classification of bipolar disorder in psychiatric hospital. A prospective cohort study The results indicate a considerable misclassification of bipolar disorder in psychiatric hospital, mainly in patients currently depressed. The importance of correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder should be emphasized both for clinical, administrative and research purposes. The findings questions the validity of psychiatric case registers. There are potential benefits in structuring the diagnostic process better in the clinic. here
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The use of Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Hypomania Checklist-32 and clinical predictors for screening previously unrecognised bipolar disorder in a general psychiatric setting
The study showed that simultaneous use of the Hypomania Checklist-32 and bipolar family history was the best approach for detecting previously unrecognised bipolar disorder. here
*****
Families throughout San Diego County will be able to access COMPASS Services at the Y as of March 5th by conveniently dialing the same phone number, (619) 446-6936, or via e-mail at [email protected].   The Y's COMPASS Services will be centrally located in Hillcrest at 4080 Centre Street, Suite 103, San Diego 92103.  For more information please visit www.compassfamilycenter.org, and stay tuned for upcoming information about our 7th Annual STAR Event.
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Computer programs may be able to identify individuals most at risk of anxiety, mood disorders
Computer programs can be taught to differentiate between the brain scans of healthy adolescents and those most at risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, according to research published yesterday in the open access journal PLoS ONE. The research suggests that it may be possible to design programs that can accurately predict which at-risk adolescents will subsequently develop these disorders. here
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The Consumer Justice Foundation Alerts Public to Washington University in St. Louis Study Concerning Use of Depakote by Children with Bipolar Disorder
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patrick kennedy 

PATRICK KENNEDY TO SPEAK MAY 22 in SAN DIEGO

International Bipolar Foundation is pleased to announce that The Honorable Patrick Kennedy has been able to reschedule his previous engagement with us and will be speaking on May 22 in celebration of  Mental Health Awareness Month 

If you are interested in attending the free Public Forum; 3:30-5:30, please contact [email protected]   

Sponsored by 

J&J 


About.com 

BP for Beginners: Mania/Hypomania and Depression

Lamictal Rash Warning
STUDIES

Invitation to Participate in a Study of the Stigma of Mental Illness 


The stigmatization of people with mental illness is widespread in our society.  This stigma has been shown to reduce self-esteem, rob people of social opportunities, and prevent people who would benefit from mental health services from seeking care.  Accurate measurement of this stigma is an essential part of the high-quality research upon which effective anti-stigma social-marketing campaigns are built.

Dr. David Vogel of Iowa State University is conducting an online research survey study on the validity of a new scale designed to accurately measure the stigma surrounding mental illness, and how this stigma impacts individuals' willingness to seek help from a mental health professional.

Your willingness to contribute your voice to this research would be greatly appreciated!
The survey takes about 20 to 40 minutes to complete and participation is confidential.

This study is being conducted with the authorization of the Iowa State University Institutional Review Board (Study Approval #11-265; 515-294-4566; [email protected]), and is open to all individuals 18 years or older who have access to the internet.

To participate in, or learn more about, this survey please visit:
 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/StigmaMI

If you would like to speak with the principal investigator, Dr. David Vogel, about this survey, please contact him at [email protected].
*******

AN INTERNET PARENTING EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUP  FOR MOTHERS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES: A RESEARCH STUDY.  The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion has launched a new research study examining the effectiveness of an Internet parenting education and social support program for mothers with a psychiatric disability. The TU Collaborative is looking for women who are interested in participating in an online parental education course designed to enhance parental knowledge and skills in the following areas: illness management, child development, stress reduction, parent-child communication, and promoting resiliency in your child. This program also involves Internet social support through a Listserv, which will be co-moderated by a parent with a psychiatric disability and a mental health professional. This group can connect you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to a community of supportive peers, in your own home or anywhere you can access the Internet! 


We are looking for people who:  a) are mothers (over the age of 18) diagnosed with a mental illness (Major Depression, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder or Mood Disorder); b) currently have primary/shared custody and are serving as the caretaker for at least one child (natural, adopted, or stepchild) under the age of 18; c) have access to a computer and the Internet; d) would consider using the Internet for support and information; e) are United States Residents; and f) are fluent in English.  


Participants will be compensated up to $100 for their participation in this study.  If you want to participate or would like more information, you can email us at: [email protected] or go to our announcement. 

******
The Temple University Collaborative has launched an

Internet-based parenting education and social support program, part of a national research study examining the effectiveness of an Internet parenting education and social support program for mothers with a psychiatric disability.  Participants will be compensated up to $100 for their participation in this study.  For more about this project go to our announcement or email us at: [email protected].  

 

club logo 

For children and teens who thrive in a small group environment.
Ages 5+
ClubXcite's Sunday social skills group aims to support children and teens in their social interactions. Our community based outings provide a natural, relaxed, and fun environment in which participants can work on their goals. Our Social Coaches are there, every step of the way, modeling, supporting, and modifying behavior.
REGISTER NOW! Call Evan Kirstein on 858 779 9674
wrightslaw
Dear Friend & Advocate

Your child passes her classes with flying colors. The school is threatening to withhold credit for these classes because she is ill and absent from school.

Does your child need a health plan, a 504 plan, or an IEP?
Does your child have a plan, but the school is not following it?
In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you will find advice and information useful in advocating for children with health problems. Learn what steps you should take to develop a plan and ensure that the school actually implements the plan. Find links to model Section 504 and health plans.
******
As the parent, YOU represent your child's interests. YOU need to know what the law says. Do not rely on what others tell you.

In determining if your child is eligible for special education and related services, the team (that includes YOU, the child's parent) needs to answer these questions.

Does your child have a disability?
Does the disability affect your child's educational performance?
Does your child need special education and related services?
In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you will learn the basics about eligibility. Find out what IDEA says about eligibility, who can refer a child for special education services, and what the school is required to do.
*******
Do you have questions about IEPs? You will "stress less" during this IEP season if you learn, or review, what the law really says. (Hint: This may be different from what you have been told!)

Do you understand what your role is at IEP meetings?
Do you know the required members of your child's IEP team?
Do you know who may be excused from IEP meetings, when, how?
In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you will learn about IEP team members and IEP team attendance, when team members may be excused from a meeting, and what parents and the school district must do before a team member may be excused.

Psych Central 

 Depressed Adolesents More Likely to Be Bullied

Dehydration Influences Mood

Childhood Stress May Cause Genetic Changes

JBRF 

Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation 

Recruiting families for Whole Genome Sequencing Study 

Click here to submit eligibility:
http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/i/show/209449/4286d9f68b/1413023483/3ee24717d4/d80b7e9749  

 

NEWS FROM NAMI, DBSA, & SAMHSA  

NAMI

NAMI WALK: The walk is scheduled for April 21, 2012 

*****  

SAVE THE DATE

   

Fusion Academy Invites You to Attend
'Tune In To Your Teen' 
Sherrie and Aaron Rubin along with Season Hewitt, CADC II, will help parents navigate the challenges their teens face when it comes to substance use and abuse.

Wednesday, March 7 6:00 - 8:00 pm 
Fusion Academy San Diego Campus
512 Via De La Valle, Suite 201 Solana Beach, CA 92075
This event is free and open to all interested members of the community.
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March 7: DR. David Miklowitz speaking in Santa Monica: Children's Mood Swings: When is it more than a bad day?

7:00-8:30pm, UCLA Family Commons in Santa Monica. 1221 2nd Street. $20.
*********************
Boy Interrupted 
On Sunday, March 11, at the Michigan Theatre in downtown Ann Arbor, MI, the Prechter Fund will host a large fundraiser & educational event: "Boy Interrupted" - a screening of a 2009 Sundance documentary followed by a panel discussion to raise public awareness of bipolar disorder and to benefit the Prechter Fund's groundbreaking research into this debilitating illness.
********************
THE SEAN COSTELLO MEMORIAL FUND
FOR BIPOLAR RESEARCH PRESENTS  BEAUTIFUL MINDS:
Bipolar Disorder Lecture and Performance Series
Part Two: Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Dependence
 DATE: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM
PLACE: Briarcliff Campus of Emory University 1256 Briarcliff Rd, Building A, 3rd Floor Auditorium Atlanta, GA 30306
www.seancostellofund.org
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The USC UCEDD Policy Series Restraint and Seclusion: Policy and Practice

Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, March 15, 2012 10 - 11 AM   

Use this link to register: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/716104847

For more information: Contact Fran Goldfarb at [email protected] or 323 361-3831  

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6th Annual CAHM forum: Empowering Ourselves, Our Families, Friends and Neighbors to Succeed  Saturday, March 17, 2012  at  Abraxas High School in Poway
This Event is Open to ALL!   activities designed for ages 12 through senior adults.
A donation of $20 per person/$30 per family is suggested. No one will be turned away if a donation is not made.
www.cahmsd.org
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BEAUTIFUL MIND SERIES: LECTURE 2
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE  
Wednesday, March 14 at 7:00pm
Emory University Briarcliff Campus
1256 Briarcliff Road, Building A, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30306
FREE
Join us for the second in the series on bipolar disorder sponsored in partnership with Emory University's School of Medicine's Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program.
Each lecture discusses a different aspect of Bipolar Disorder and is accompanied by a performance by an artist who is bipolar. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, please contact [email protected]
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The most practical Strategies for helping the child or adolescent with mental health issues succeed at school
by dr jay berk

pasadena March 20 and Santa Ana March 21
it's $179 if you pre-register. (www.health-ed.com)
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No Foolin'- The Laugh for Recovery is Back! Proving once again that laughter really is the best medicine, MHS is bringing back the Laugh for Recovery fundraising comedy show on April Fool's Day, Sunday April 1st. In its fourth year, the Laugh for Recovery will feature talented, award-winning stand-up comedians. The event will be held at the internationally acclaimed Belly Up Tavern located in Solana Beach.
Visit mhsinc.org/laugh for more information or bellyup.com to purchase tickets.
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5th Annual San Diego Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

"KEYS TO HEALING YOUR WOUNDED HEART"

Panel of survivors and professionals Followed by questions and answers

Saturday, April 28th 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Vista Grande Community Church

10881 Tierrasanta Blvd. San Diego 92124  

For more information: Call 619-482-0297 or Email [email protected]  

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Speak Up for Kids May 6-12, 2012

Make it your new year's resolution to Speak Up for Kids! We are excited to spread the word about the signs and symptoms of psychiatric and learning disorders in children and teens with our 2nd annual Speak Up for Kids public education campaign during National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week (May 6-12, 2012). here
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ViewPoints Lecture May 9, 2012
Your Healthy Brain - a panel discussion with Dr. Tom Flanagan, Dr. Dee Silver & Muffy Walker
Rancho Santa Fe Village Presbyterian Church, RSF, CA
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Jewish Family Services San Diego presents:
Unmeasured Strength with Lauren Manning 
Thursday, May 24. Hyatt Regency, La Jolla, CA
www.jfssd.org/mentalhealth
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NAMI NATIONAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION

NAMI FaithNet will be offering workshops at NAMI national convention in Seattle, WA, Wednesday, June 27-Saturday, June 30, 2012.  The theme is Think Learn Live: Wellness, Resiliency and Recovery.  There will be workshops available from NAMI FaithNet.   For registration details, go to: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=convention
  

 

  


About the International Bipolar Foundation
 
International Bipolar Foundation is a not for profit organization based in San Diego whose mission is to eliminate Bipolar Disorder through the advancement of research; to promote care and support services; and to erase associated stigma through public education.
IBPF
Visit us online for more information: www.internationalbipolarfoundation.org
OFFICE:
11622 El Camino Real, Suite 100  San Diego, CA 92130
p: (858) 764-2496  f: (858) 764-2491
MAILING ADDRESS:
8895 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 105-360  San Diego, CA 92122
We have a new Community Page on FaceBook.

Please join us on Facebook and "Like" us and help us spread the word.
Find us on Facebook

A Word About Funding

 

Please note that International Bipolar Foundation does not represent any pharmaceutical company or give any speeches for a pharmaceutical company nor does our site receive advertising dollars from any company.