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Dear (Contact First Name),

 

International Bipolar Foundation is proud to be an author of the creation of WORLD BIPOLAR DAY (WBD). WBD will be celebrated every year on March 30 - the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was post-humously diagnosed with probably having bipolar disorder.

 

I encourage everyone to get involved! Please see our Call to Action below, or invent your own! The more people we can educate, the better.

To your health,

Muffy     

 

If you would like to help support our newsletter or any of the free programs we offer, please make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you

   

 

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


March 6, 2014
   
If you are in a crisis,
please call:
 
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
or
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Join Our Mailing List



CALL TO ACTION!


Are you interested in writing a country specific chapter or translating our 
"Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder" book?


For more information, please email 



                                              
  CALL
 TO ACTION!
  •    We are asking the general public to submit a photo with a message that says "I am ... " and then describe something about you, who you are beyond or behind your illness, such as "I'm am proud to be me" "I am an artist" "I am successful" "I am more than my illness." Also include your name (optional), and country. See example to the right.  
  •      On March 30th images will be displayed on Facebook, Twitter and the International Bipolar Foundation website.
                Details here

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2014 GALA
MARCH LECTURE 

"Of Mind and Men: Mental Health, Addiction & Hope"

 

International Bipolar Foundation and Practical Recovery 
invites you to a free mental health event with keynote speaker, Dr. Tom Jensen and moderator, Dr. Tom Horvath.

  

When: March 11, 2014 

Where: San Diego, California

Cost: Free 

MARCH WEBINARS

Graeme Cowan
 "The 4 Things I Learned From 4000+ People Managing Bipolar"
 
March 13th, 2014 at 9:00 am PST.
Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at:
 

  

After recovering from his own horrendous episode of depression, Graeme Cowan strove to understand the fastest way to beat depression and bipolar. His quest lead him to interview hundreds of well-known and everyday people, including former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, TV talk show host Trisha Goddard, former UK PM Tony Blair's chief advisor Alastair Campbell, former Google Executive Bob Boorstin, and many others, who courageously described their journey back from the brink. There were a number of common threads in these sustained recovery stories. These anecdotal insights lead to him asking 4000+ people who have learned to beat or manage their depression and bipolar "what worked best?" - and the 4 things he learned and will share in this webinar will surprise you.

***********

Dr. Melvin McInnis 
"The Long Run - From Cells and Social Support in Bipolar Disorder"
 

March 27th, 2014 at 9:00 am PST.


Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at:

Melvin G. McInnis, MD, FRCPsych: Thomas B. and Nancy Upjohn Woodworth Professor of Bipolar Disorder and Depression, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan.

Melvin McInnis is the Thomas B and Nancy Upjohn Woodworth Professor of Bipolar Disorder and Depression at the University of Michigan Depression Center.  He directs the research programs of the HC Prechter Bipolar Research Fund at the University of Michigan.  This research includes following a cohort of 1000 individuals in a longitudinal study of bipolar disorder and health unaffected individuals, a study that began in 2005 and continues.  This research is among the most comprehensive research programs in bipolar disorder and includes extensive research in clinical, environmental, genetic, biological, and computational factors.   This presentation will highlight the cutting edge progress in these arenas, explained in a conversational and understandable manner aimed towards the interested public.  

Dr. McInnis has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles on the genetics and clinical course of bipolar disorders. He is internationally known as an expert in the diagnosis, genetics and clinical management of bipolar and depressive disorders in adolescents and adults.   He was trained psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, UK, and the Johns Hopkins University and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry (UK). 

 

After registering you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the Webinar.

***************
Please Welcome Our New Bloggers!


NEWS AROUND THE WORLD 

GLOBAL: 










** IBPF SAB = International Bipolar Foundation Scientific Advisory Board.
Read about them here
A Story of Hope & Recovery
 
IBPF's Annual High School Essay Contest

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) is launching a global essay contest to erase stigma associated with mental illness through education. The contest is part of the foundation's mission to address the impact of bipolar disorder and is open to all high school students.

"Our hope", says Walker, Chairman and Co-founder of IBPF, "is that students will be interested in winning the prize and thereby research stigma in order to write the essay. In so doing, we will be educating a lot of young people and hopefully changing their perception about mental illness".

The First Place Winner will receive $500 and the Second Place Winner will receive $100. 

Students may choose one of the following topics:

  • How is mental health perceived and addressed in your community, both culturally and socially?
  •        How can you support a friend or loved one who may be dealing with Bipolar Disorder?
  • How does media impact the stigma of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses?

Entries will be judged by a panel of authors who write about bipolar disorder and mental illness. The winner will be announced in May, which is Mental Health month. High school students throughout the world are invited to participate.


To learn more about our 2014 Essay Contest click here

 

 
An annual award honoring a student who is:

 

Reducing prejudice around mental illness

Raising awareness of mental health problems on campus

Encouraging help-seeking among peers 

 

THE BOOK & MOVIE CORNER
 

Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder is available in PDF, HARDCOPY or on KINDLE!

book

    

 

 

 

 





      
Our book in available with German and Canadian country chapter supplements! 

 

Email us at [email protected] for a free PDF copy today!

 


Moorestorms Bipolar Warning Signs
by Rebecca Moore

Moorestorms Bipolar Warning Signs gives you a quick look at what to expect when dealing with bipolar disorder and what symptoms to look for if you suspect you have bipolar disorder. It also helps family members understand more about bipolar disorder.

 




Shock of the Fall
by Nathan Filer
 
Paperback edition of the debut novel about one man's descent into mental illness, following the death of his brother in childhood. Filer is a mental health nurse with a unique and startling insight into mental illness, and this book highlights a much-neglected subject. 
 
 
Wise and Ready to Rise
by Mary Elizabeth Young
 
 

  

Wise and Ready to Rise: Ten Powerful Ways Life Teaches Us to Lead. It has stories from my own life; challenges I've faced that have brought out my natural leadership qualities and given me gifts that have deepened me as a person. Also included is Ellen Frudakis' story as she experienced the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and found her way to wholeness. Ellen is a former board member of IBPF and the founder of iMore.

 

 
What is Wrong With our Mom?
by Adele Marie Luttrell  
 

This book offers children a child-friendly explanation of the mental illness called bipolar disorder. difficult concepts and topics such as "depression, mania and suicide" are addressed and openly and honestly helping children to make sense of this illness.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Straight Jacket Memories

by Jonathan Nelson

 

Jonathan grows up fighting "the beast", but he has no idea that what  

he's actually struggling with is bipolar disorder, which can make him 

feel despondent 

one moment and allow him to accomplish great things the next. He also suffers 

from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and his Christian peers say he lacks 

self-control.

 

Stories of Healing and Hope: PTSD, Trauma and Suicide

by Mental Health Ministries 

 

Mental Health Ministries has released a new DVD to educate faith

communities about three important issues; post traumatic stress disorder 

(PTSD), trauma and suicide. Read more 

 

 

 

Back From The Brink

by Graeme Cowan

 

This book is filled with real stories of hope and healing, information about

treatment options and medication, and tools for putting what you've learned into practice.

 
 
 
 


 Morestorms: The Storms of a Bipolar Marriage
 by Rebecca and Daniel Moore
 
A look into a marriage through a couples eyes that are coping with bipolar disorder. Showing you both sides through all of the ups and downs working towards one common goal, stability.
 
 
 
 RESEARCH STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Patient Recruitment
brain

 

BIPOLAR DISORDER CLINICAL TRIAL

Researchers at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital are enrolling men and women for a clinical trial. Individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are currently experiencing a manic episode may qualify.

Eligible participants will receive all study-related care at no cost, and may be reimbursed for time and travel.

Participation is confidential and trials are safely conducted under the supervision of experienced physicians and research specialists.

To learn more, call (858) 836-8350.

*************************************************************** 

BRAIN SCIENCE We need VOLUNTEERS with BIPOLAR DISORDER

$160 for 7 hours

Click here for more information
******************************************************************************

My name is Dr. Mark Matthews. I am a researcher at Cornell University where we are looking at the use of technology by people like yourself who have bipolar disorder. This questionnaire will help my colleagues and me better understand your use of technology which will in turn inform our design of computer tools for people with bipolar disorder.
Please read this form carefully before agreeing to take part in the study.
**************************************************
atlas
Daily vs. Monthly: Monthly intramuscular injections are offering new pathways for people seeking long-term management for conditions like Bipolar I Disorder. Unlike oral medications which must be taken on a daily basis, monthly injections are designed to help:

Extend time between episodes. 
Keep blood concentrations of medication in the body 
within therapeutic levels. 
Promote greater adherence to treatment. 
All eligible study participants will receive at no cost:

Study-related care and monitoring. 
Study visits with the study doctor. 
Study drugs
Are you eligible? Check here
***************************************************************************** 
search
WeSearchTogether advances depression, bipolar disorder and mood research through encouraging volunteer participation and enhancing community-researcher relationships.
https://www.wesearchtogether.org
**********************************************************
The Delphi Consensus Study
crest
The Collaborative RESearch Team to study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder is conducting a research study on using community-based research methods to explore and share wellness strategies for bipolar disorder. The study is focusing on developing new knowledge about what self-management techniques work for stopping progression into mania and hypomania, and for maintaining balance in this condition. You can learn more about the study here or read blogs on the project from the CREST.BD team here.

We are looking for survey participants from two groups of experts: 
People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder  (I or II) who are 19 or older and are living well with the condition;  
Healthcare providers who are 19 or older and who work with people with bipolar disorder. 
What to expect: 
An invitation to participate in an online survey in English where you will rate how helpful a series of self-management strategies would be for keeping balance in mood in bipolar disorder, or stopping progression into hypomania or mania. 
In 6 to 8 weeks from the completion of the first survey, an invitation to participate in another, shorter, survey. 
After completion of both surveys, an entry into a draw for one of two prize packages worth over $500 each, consisting of books, DVDs and wellness materials.
To participate, please contact Nusha, the CREST.BD Research Coordinator, by e-mail at [email protected] with the following details: 1) Your e-mail address 2) Your name 3)
Where you heard about the survey.  
*************************************************************
KINECT2STUDY

If you or a loved one have schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or a gastrointestinal disorder (including trouble with reflux and/or gastric emptying) and experience involuntary movements in your face or other parts of your body, you may qualify for a medical research study. Each individual must be 18 to 85 years of age, and will be evaluated to determine his or her eligibility. All participants will receive study-related medical exams and lab tests at no charge. Compensation for time and travel may be available. 
To learn more, visit www.Kinect2Study.com.
*******************************************************************
Village Clinical Research Inc., located in Manhattan, is currently conducting several studies for subjects with Bipolar I disorder.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder or is suffering from extreme mood swings, sleep impairment, depression, elation or irritability, racing thoughts, impaired concentration and impulsivity, please contact us at 646-688-5224. Our team of board-certified psychiatrists and highly-trained research coordinators are available to discuss our Bipolar I studies with you. All study related-care and study-related medication are provided at no cost. No insurance is required.  Please call us today to see if one of our studies would be right for you
 ***************************************************************************************
research ad
**********************************************************************
nimh
 
Dr. Leibenluft is seeking children with bipolar disorder; children with very severe irritability (regardless of whether or not they have bipolar disorder) and children who may not have bipolar disorder but who have parents or siblings that have bipolar disorder. If travel is necessary they will pay the travel costs. You can learn more by calling (301)496-8381 or e-mailing [email protected].
**
Bipolar Disorder (Pediatric) Research Studies
http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov/BipolarDisorderPediatric.aspx#220
More research studies here
 *************************************************************************
The Hospital of the University of Munich is looking for participants for a therapy study with a new method of treatment for depressive symptoms. Implementation of treatments in the outpatient or day-care framework. [email protected] oder einen Anruf unter 089 51 60 58 99. Bitte sprechen Sie ggf. auf den AB. Wir rufen Sie umgehend zur�ck.
**********************************************************************
Managing Bipolar Mood Experiences Without the Use of Medication
�      Have you been given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder by a mental health professional?
Have you been offered medication to try and help you manage bipolar moods?
Have you not been using any medication for your mood for at least the last 3 months?
Would you be interested in talking to someone about your experiences of not using medication for your mood?

Taking part will involve answering some questions over the phone, then meeting me to fill in a questionnaire and complete an interview.
If you think you might be interested in taking part and would like to find out more, please e-mail me on [email protected]. or phone me on 07852 523 954.
***************************************************************************
Research Opportunities- University of California Los Angles 
 
 
   
 **IBPF SAB Member
SAVE THE DATE

 

Many Voices, One Visions- USC Gould School of Law & The Saks Institute for Mental Health Law

March 12-13, 2014

Los Angeles, California

***********************  

ISBD Annual Conference 

March 18-21, 2014 

Seoul, Korea

*********************** 

The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church- Saddleback Church

March 28, 2014

Lake Forest, California

***********************  

World Bipolar Day 

March 30, 2014 

International

***********************

The Fourth International Conference on Families with Parental Mental Health Challenges  

April 25-27, 2014

California

*********************** 

The International Review of Psychosis & Bipolarity (IRPB) Conference   

Athens, Greece, 9-12 May 2014  

********************* 

Annual International Conference of the Association of Psychology and Psychiatry for Adults and Children(A.P.P.A.C.). The Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel, in Athens, Greece, on 13-16 May 2014  

*********************

National Council for Behavioral Health 

May 7, 2014

Washington, DC

*********************** 

IBPF Behind the Mask Gala

May 10, 2014

La Jolla, CA, USA

********************* 

The Annual Meeting of the International Forum of Psychosis & Bipolarity

May 25-28, 2014

Athens Greece  

**********************

SAMHSA's 2014 Voice Awards

August 13, 2014

Royce Hall on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 

*********************

DGBS: "Bipolar Disorder: Up Close and Personal"

18 to 20 September 2014

W�rzburg, Germany 

***********************

The First International Bipolar Foundation Annual West Coast Meeting 

November 9, 2014

Anaheim, California 

***********************

ISBD Annual Conference

June 3-6, 2015

Toronto, Canada

********************** 

10th Intl Congress of the INA

Oct 14-16, 2015

Jerusalem, Israel

**********************  

About the International Bipolar Foundation
 
International Bipolar Foundation is a not for profit organization based in San Diego whose mission is to improve understanding and treatment of Bipolar Disorder through research; to promote care and support services for individuals and caregivers; and to erase associated stigma through education.

International Bipolar Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or received from the International Bipolar Foundation.


Visit us online for more information: www.ibpf.org
MAILING ADDRESS:
8895 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 105-360  San Diego, CA 92122

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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.