April 2014
IN THIS ISSUE...
If you are interested in writing a country-specific chapter,
or translating our book,
Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder
please email Debbie Brown

Greetings! 

 

I don't know if the same held true for you, but for me, March came in like a lamb and out like a lion!  March 30th marked the inaugural World Bipolar Day for which we reached over 1.2 million people worldwide helping to spread the word of strength and hope. Thank you to all who participated.

 

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, it is my great honor and pleasure to thank the 100's of people who dedicate their time volunteering for us.  You are the glue that holds us together! It's your passion, your dedication and commitment of time and talent that joins us in a common cause; to help those affected by and with bipolar disorder. Thank you!

 

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 contact me at anytime Muffy

Did you know that all of our presentations are recorded and archived on our website?
View here!
CALL TO ACTION

Text, talk, act to improve mental health on April 24th!

The process takes one hour. The result can last a lifetime!
All over the country, on the same day, via your cell phone, people will get together in small groups for one hour discussions on mental health.

The process is simple! 
Join 3-4 friends, family, classmates, etc and text "START" to 89800. Your group will then receive polling questions, discussion questions, and process suggestions via text messaging. 

BEHIND THE MASK 2014 GALA


NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

 

The National Council will host Conference '14 - and Hill Day -  in Washington, D.C., May 5-7, 2014.  On the final day of the conference, they will feature sessions on federal behavioral healthcare policy, followed by visits with elected officials on Capitol Hill to advocate for better resources for mental health and addictions treatment.  There is no additional fee - however you do need to register for Hill Day. 

 

Please join 3 IBPF board members and register today http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/events-and-training/conference/register/

APRIL WEBINARS


Dr. Gaspari Palmieri and Dr. Cristian Grassilli:The Use of Song as A Therapeutic Tool
April 10, 2014 at 9:00 am PST.

In this webinar Dr Gaspare Palmieri and Dr Cristian Grassilli show the use of songs in a therapeutic setting for psychiatric disorders. They will explain the use of popular songs in group therapy for inpatients and will provide examples of song writing in psychiatric rehabilitation. They will also focus on the use of their original songs from project "Psicantria" in psychoeducation and stigma prevention. 

 

Gaspare Palmieri, MD, Phd, is an Italian psychiatrist and songwriter. He works in general adult psychiatry at the Private Hospital Villa Igea in Modena (Italy). He has produced 20 publications in national and international journals on suicide prevention, stigma and psychotherapy research. He is co-promoter of project "Psicantria", for the use of the songs as a psychoeducational tool. 

 

Cristian Grassilli is an Italian psychotherapist, music therapist and songwriter. He works in private practice and for several associations for prevention of psychological disorders and education in Bologna and Modena (Italy). He is co-promoter of project "Psicantria", for the use of the songs as a psychoeducational tool.

 

Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at:

Missy Douglas, PhD: 2:365-The Art of Living with Bipolar

April 14, 2014 at 9:00 am PST

 

Missy Douglas Ph.D is a British artist and writer who divides her time between New York and Seattle. A tutor of fine art and former professor of art history, she has worked with fellow artist Kim Rask under the studio name ucki ood since 2011. She has exhibited in the UK, Europe and the US, and has contributed to a wide variety of online and print publications. 

 

Diagnosed with bipolar as a student at Cambridge University in the UK, Missy's experience of the disorder has consistently influenced her painting and sculpture. Indeed, her latest project with Rask, 2:365, is ground-breaking in its analysis of the direct relationship between bipolar and the artistic voice. 

The exhibition of all 365 paintings produced during this year-long project and launch of the accompanying 2:365 Art Book will be taking place in Seattle on May 8th and 9th.

 

Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/319497502
Dr. Andrew Nierenberg: Collaborating Together Through Research to Improve Clinical Care
April 16, 2014 at 9:00 am PST

This presentation will discuss the new paradigm of collaboration and why it is important for people with bipolar disorder to seek opportunities to actively collaborate with researchers and why it is important for researchers to actively collaborate with patients.To better understand the biology and treatment of bipolar disorder, we need to improve research methods. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has sparked a new way of thinking about clinical research, especially around how patients and researchers interact. Specifically, PCORI encourages patients and researchers to collaborate as equal partners to answer questions important to patients and their families. Patients who agree to enter clinical studies are not subjects or participants, but true collaborators during all stages of research. From identifying research topics worthy of study, to prioritizing those topics, to making sure that the study has outcomes important to patients, to ensuring that the study is well run, to interpreting and disseminating the results,  patient-collaborators will work side-by-side with researchers to improve clinical care. The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality funded the recently completed Bipolar CHOICE study that compared lithium and quetiapine. At the end of Bipolar CHOICE, we held a Stakeholder Summit that brought together patients, patient advocacy groups, government officials, and insurers to help us interpret the findings before the final paper was submitted. 

 

Dr. Nierenberg is Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Director of the Bipolar Research Program, and Associate Director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

 

Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at:

Dr. Michael Knable: E-Mental Health: Computer and Device Assisted Therapies for Mental Illnesses

April 24, 2014 at 9:00 am PST

 

Dr. Knable will review the growing trend for consumers to use computer and device assisted therapies to help manage illness and communicate with providers. I will also discuss the PsyberGuide project, which seeks to provide unbiased ratings of these products so that consumers and their families can make informed choices about these products. 

 

Dr. Knable is Vice President for Medical Affairs of Axis Healthcare Group, LLC, which manages a continuum of services for patients with psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Knable has been involved in psychiatric treatment and research for more than 20 years. After receiving undergraduate and medical degrees at Ohio University, he trained in Psychiatry at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and in Neurology at George Washington University Hospital, and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

 

Dr. Knable was a Clinical Associate at the National Institute of Mental Health from 1992-1998 where his research focused on severe mental illnesses. He was then Medical Director or Executive Director of The Stanley Medical Research Institute (SMRI), which is the largest private agency providing research funds for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, from 1998-2008. Dr. Knable is the author of more than 70 publications on various aspects of neuropsychiatric disease including "Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Parents, Families and Providers."

 

Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/309259606 

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

MEET OUR 2013-14 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR  
We Thank You For Your Dedication To Our Mission!
Maritere Berrios Pizarro

I'm Maritere Berrios Pizarro, I entered the world in San Juan, PR, USA. My father is Bipolar Disorder I patient, and my grandfather is believed to Thus, mental illness always played a key role at home.

 

I stood out academically- and my moods did too. Depression hit me at 6 years old, writing a short suicidal poem at 8 years old. I was diagnosed Bipolar Disorder II with Rapid Cycling 10 years later. In late 2008, this progressed to Ultradian Cycling, after going off meds. Though treatment resistant, I have an amazing psychiatrist and thanks to him, the cycles have slowed to Ultra Rapid Cycling most of the time. I've crossed to Bipolar I but have greatly improved my coping skills and functionality.

 

In 2008, I graduated with Honors from a BA in Communication. I've worked in hospitality, but I've also nurtured my lifelong passion: writing! I prefer writing poetry and "stream of consciousness" prose. In 2011, I published my anthology, "Real Delusions". I created two blogs in 2012, "Spiralofdarklight" and "Bipolar Hues"- both are intimate snapshots of my experience of Ultra-Rapid to Ultradian Cycling Bipolar. I'm

currently working on a manuscript, and have been honored to translate for the International Bipolar Foundation since 2013. I'm very excited about receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award! Besides writing, I enjoy reading, music, photography and image editing.

 

 

Karen Andrues

As a young child I was captive to mood swings. My first major depressive episode was when I was 18, away at college, away from family, overwhelmed with responsibilities and activities. My husband-to-be didn't know the two sides of my life. He saw a bubbly, creative person, but not the depressed, dark side. Having two children brought us great joy. Depression hit again and the psychiatrist prescribed sedatives and referred me to a psychologist who sexually abused me. We were plagued with acute illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations. Good times were always tainted with "When will the other shoe fall?" For 18 years I worked in medical and dental offices as business managers.  But a bout of depression resulted in a three-week hospitalization and the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

 

After a move from California to Washington I went through a couple episodes of depression but a long-time dream came true. I returned to university and earned my Bachelors in Nursing. We moved to Arizona where I worked in Labor & Delivery, night shift. A bad move. I became depressed and was hospitalized three times in five months. Then I kept becoming ill with infections, and was diagnosed with an immune deficiency. It requires one to avoid being around sick people, so my dream job as a nurse was over.

 

I try to find things to do that matter, such as being on the Mental Health Steering Committee and doing health evaluations for potential clients for Interfaith Community Services. I led a ten-week educational support group for persons with bipolar disorder. And I was co-chairperson of the Consumer Advisory Council with the International Bipolar Foundation. I've led a women's Bible study group, and accompanied the youth choir at church. I try to keep exercise a priority, and walk with a neighbor several mornings a week.

  

I have many regrets about my life, my career, my decisions. But I will always be thankful for my husband and my daughters (and their families). I must learn to pick myself up and move on when things don't work out as I hoped. Living with bipolar disorder has a way of pulling the carpet out from underneath us. We have to become experts at getting back up, dusting ourselves off and finding a new path. Having a good support system is essential. Having hope in the future is the one thing that makes a difference. My faith gives me hope, and my past positive experiences give me perspective. Living with bipolar is difficult, but it doesn't mean a life of failure and loss. Living with bipolar is just part of me. It doesn't completely define me.

       IBPF Volunteer Appreciation Tea        
We Appreciate You!















NETHERLANDS:



ITALY:

 
TURKEY:


** IBPF SAB = International Bipolar Foundation Scientific Advisory Board.
Read about them here

A STORY OF HOPE AND RECOVERY
My name is Terri Harris and I am 46 years old. I am a Southern California native with roots in Kentucky & Tennessee and I am a 4 year transplant to Texas. I have bipolar disorder type 2, PTSD, and OCD. My maternal aunt was bipolar. I'm working with my local NAMI to achieve Advocacy training to learn how to focus my energy and use my writing abilities to reach out and be heard. Learning to trust my self-confidence is my current goal in my journey of recovery.

How did you discover you were living with bipolar disorder?
I discovered I was living with bipolar disorder in 1999. It was one of the darkest times in my life. I pray I'll never return to anything near that or anyone else experience something like it. I was with 'that man' you swear you can spot a mile away and run from. I lost my home, some friends, my dignity, my direction. 
 
THE BOOK & MOVIE CORNER

 
THE DANNY BAKER STORY

Danny Baker's memoir about his struggle and eventual triumph over depression.

Read More



REBECCA MOORE
Rebecca Moore, author of the "Moorestorms" book series talks about the launching of her book series.
 

 
RESEARCH STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
BIPOLAR DISORDER CLINICAL TRIAL
brain
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
USE OF TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONNAIRE
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.

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.
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.
 

AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
If you are:
  • Between the ages of 21 and 65
  • Have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder

You are invited to participate in this research study to see how effective the MoodSwings website is at improving the well-being of people with bipolar disorder.

PARTICIPANTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER OR
SCHIZOPHRENIA NEEDED
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE!
April 18th, 2014
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The Fourth International Conference on Families with Parental Mental Health Challenges
April 25-27, 2014
California
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April 29th, 2014
London
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May 4-10, 2014
Global
The International Review of Psychosis & Bipolarity (IRPB) Conference
Athens, Greece, 9-12 May 2014
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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
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National Council for Behavioral Health
May 7, 2014
Washington, DC
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IBPF Behind the Mask Gala
May 10, 2014
La Jolla, CA, USA
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The Annual Meeting of the International Forum of Psychosis & Bipolarity
May 25-28, 2014
Athens Greece

AMHSA's 2014 Voice Awards
August 13, 2014
Royce Hall on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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DGBS: "Bipolar Disorder: Up Close and Personal"
18 to 20 September 2014
W�rzburg, Germany
***********************

27th Annual U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress

September 20-23, 2014

Orlando, Florida


The First International Bipolar Foundation Annual West Coast Meeting
November 9, 2014
Anaheim, California
ISBD Annual Conference
June 3-6, 2015
Toronto, Canada
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10th International 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.