August 2014
Greetings! 

 

Where I live, August tends to be a lazy month. In fact, many people chose to go on holiday and it's the month when psychiatrists traditionally go on vacation. The August break tradition first took hold during the Freudian heyday, when many of the analysts were either German or Swiss and were culturally accustomed to taking the month of August off, as they did back home.

 

For some this hiatus from treatment may actually prove beneficial. Instead of the "couch", it may be the lounge chair. Instead of talk therapy, it may be friend therapy. And, you may find yourself relying more on the resources you have in your toolbox.

 

But for others, this may not be so good for you. Be sure to have a plan in place. Who is the back up for your doctor or therapist? Let your support circle know you may need additional help. Have emergency numbers available and do you have a plan in case you need support? 

 

As always, 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

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

OUR BOOK CHAPTER "TRAVEL & BIPOLAR DISORDER"
NOW TRANSLATED IN

 "SPANISH"

Emmy Award-Winning Actor 
and Film Producer, Joe Pantoliano comes to San Diego
A Tough Guy Battles Back
Thursday, October 9, 2014 - 11:30 to 1:30

Join International Bipolar Foundation for a Luncheon with JOE PANTOLIANO Emmy Award-Winning Actor 
and Film Producer.

 

As one of today's best-known character actors, Joe Pantoliano boasts over 100 film, television, and stage credits. Joey Pants-as he is affectionately known-has been revered and honored for his unique and entertaining portrayals-including killer pimp "Guido" in Risky Business, bumbling criminal "Francis Fratelli" in The Goonies, double-crossing bail bondsman "Eddie Moscone" in Midnight Run, cynical US Marshall "Cosmo Renfro" in The Fugitive, turncoat "Cypher" in The Matrix, and shady sidekick "Teddy" in Memento.

Learn More Here...

 

Tickets are $100/each, please contact Ashley at [email protected] or (858) 764-2496 for more details. 


AUGUST WEBINARS


Debra Meehl: Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 9:00 am PDT

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a set of skills; Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Relationship, and Mindfulness.  Each skill-set brings someone with emotional regulation issues closer to stability.  DBT focus on "effectiveness."  DBT Therapists are solution focused, leading clients step by step to a life that can be filled with serenity.   No longer, does bipolar disorder have be a thief of family serenity and peace of mind, a destroyer of emotional balancefor everyone who comes into contact with it, and the catalyst for a lifestyle that frequently produces undesirable consequences at home, in the workplace and society as a whole. This workshop, will explore directly and lovingly at the ways in which DBT can be a pivotal factor in leading someone to stability. We will explore SPECT imagine, medication, DBT and boundaries. 
 

Debra Meehl, DD, is an Intensively trained Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) and Skills Trainer, She is the founder and President of the Meehl Foundation. Co-Author of the "Friends and Family Bipolar Survival Guide" and documentary presenter of the Life Focus TV series "A Mind Misunderstood" to air October 5, 2012 on PBS, TLN and TNN.  With 20 years of recovery and rehabilitation experience Deb weaves humor and compassion in her presentations.  As a trained therapist she gives case examples and scientific evidence of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, the only treatment that has up to an 87% success rate with certain mood and personality disorders with co-occurring substance abuse. 

 

Space is limited, reserve your seat now:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/686415462


Dr. John Swinton: Spirituality and Mental Health

 

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014 at 9:00 am PDT

 

Click here for details coming soon! 

 

The foundation for much of my research and teaching has emerged from my background in nursing, ministry and healthcare chaplaincy. I worked as a nurse for sixteen years initially within the field of mental health and latterly within the area of learning disabilities. I also worked for a number of years as a hospital chaplain, latterly as a community mental health chaplain. It was whilst working in these fields that I began to gain a passion for developing modes of care that are genuinely person centred and which take seriously the significance of theology, spirituality and religion within the processes of healing, healing and community building.

I am an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland with a strong commitment to supporting the work of the church. I am member of Aberdeen Presbytery and currently secretary of Christ's College, which is responsible for the welfare and education of candidates for the ministry of the Church of Scotland.
 

I have a particular interest in multidisciplinary education and research. At present I teach cross-college courses in the schools of nursing and medicine at the University of Aberdeen. For a number of years I have taught an interdisciplinary course on spirituality and health that involves nursing students, medical students and students from the Arts and Theology. To my knowledge there is no other course like this in the UK. I also teach on spirituality and healthcare to nurses and occupational therapists at Robert Gordon's University in Aberdeen.

I also engage in cross-college interdisciplinary research. An example of this would be our ongoing collaborative research with Professor Steve Heys who heads up the Breast Cancer Unit at Forresterhill Hospital in Aberdeen. We are working on a number of projects exploring the relationship between spirituality and women's experiences of breast cancer.

My research profile is similarly multidisciplinary in its emphasis, and I have published extensively within the area of practical theology, pastoral care, mental health studies, disability theology and nursing.
 

I am honorary professor of nursing in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Nursing at the University of Aberdeen ( http://www.abdn.ac.uk/nursing/) where I teach the role of the humanities and healthcare, nursing ethics and qualitative research. I supervise PhD students in nursing studies within a variety of areas. I continue to research and publish in the areas of nursing and medicine.

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

AUGUST LECTURE
Graeme Cowan: 4 Things I Learnt From 4000+ People who Overcame Depression and Bipolar 

August 19 at 6:00 pm 

La Jolla, California

 

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 adviser Alastair Campbell, former Google Executive Bob Boorstin, Seattle's Lora Inman 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 learnt to beat or manage their depression and bipolar "what worked best?" - and the 4 things he learnt and will share in this seminar will surprise you. www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com

"Graeme is quite simply a thought leader. He has utilized the lessons gained during a personally horrific time to guide, teach, inspire, and coach millions of Australians."

Nataly Bovopolous, Deputy CEO, Mental Health First Aid Australia

 

Graeme has worked in senior leadership positions with Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and AT Kearney. In 2000 he went through a 5 year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated. He emerged from this crisis with a different view about how we can all build resilience and mental wellbeing, to thrive through change.

His third book, BACK FROM THE BRINK: true stories & practical advice to help you overcome depression and bipolar disorder, has just been released, with a Foreword written by the actress Glenn Close, and a testimonial from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

Graeme writes for Psychology Today and authored the report "The Elephant in the Boardroom: getting mentally fit for work."

 


Lecture and Book Signing with Author, Sara Cornwell
September 23rd at 7:30 pm
La Jolla, California
 
For more information, click here.
 SAVE THE DATE!
Our 2015 Gala, Behind the Mask: Changing the Game of Stigma  
will take place May 9, 2015!
WEST COAST CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE & REGISTER TODAY!
 
International Bipolar Foundation in partnership with North American Center for Continuing Education 
When: November 9, 2015
Where: Anaheim, California

Speakers to include: Dr. Kiki Chang, Dr. Terence Ketter, Dr. David Miklowitz, Dr. Carrie Bearden, Blake Levine and many more...
Register today! 





MEET OUR NEW BLOGGERS!

Mary Alice Do

Sarah Lindsay

Sara Berelsman

Jessi Lepine

Sarah DeArmond

Heather Foster

Denis Muthuri




























UNITED STATES:








*** International Bipolar Foundation Scientific Advisory Board Member
**   International Bipolar Foundation participates on the Board of ISBD


IF YOU LOVE OUR WORK THEN TELL THE WORLD! 



You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our community. GreatNonprofits - a review site like TripAdvisor - is honoring highly reviewed nonprofits with their 2014 Top-Rated List. Won't you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? All reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It's easy and only takes 3 minutes! 

 

Create Your Review Here! 

 
If you live in the USA and want to provide feedback for SAMHSA's
Strategic Plan (2015 - 2018), 

Feedback Deadline: August 18, 2014

Leading Change 2.0: Advancing the Behavioral Health of the Nation 2015-2018 is available and ready for your feedback! 

PREVENTING SUICIDE:
A TOOLKIT FOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

 

 

Assists high schools and school districts in designing and implementing strategies to prevent suicide and promote behavioral health. Includes tools to implement a multi-faceted suicide prevention program that responds to the needs and cultures of students.

 

Download or Order Here 

   



















THE BOOK & MOVIE CORNER

 
WHAT I HAD BEFORE
HAD YOU
In What I Had Before I Had You by Sarah Cornwell, a woman must face the truth about her past in this luminous, evocative literary novel of parents and children, guilt and forgiveness, memory and magical thinking, set in the faded, gritty world of the New Jersey Shore.
Read More


MY LAST ROCK BOTTOM
Sara liked to drink. Sara was a writer, and drinking seemed to be an element of the identity. As a writer, she searched for the story that would define who she was, and her drinking was a part of her. 




2.365 ART BOOK
My name is Missy Douglas and I am an artist. Seventeen years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition which, although highly idiosyncratic in its symptoms, is most commonly characterized by shifting episodes of mania and depression.



FOREVER DIFFERENT

An uncut, raw and gripping story of one woman's life struggle with the extreme highs and lows of Bipolar I Disorder. The denial of her diagnosis and the eventual acceptance of her medication and disease. 

 






CLINICIAN'S GUIDE TO 
BIPOLAR DISORDER
This much-needed volume gives clinicians essential strategies for managing the complexities of bipolar disorder and tailoring treatment to each patient's changing needs. 
*David J. Miklowitz
  IBPF SAB Member
Read More


UGLIER
Bernie is a strong, but insecure woman trying to muddle through a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Her world regularly turns upside down when certain life events spiral her out of control. She's passionate about horses and her father's goats; but living with the disorder puts her in denial, a drug induced haze and the subsequent results of being medicated.
Read More
 
IBPF's BEADRELIEF BRACELET

Our hand-made beaded bracelet represents IBPF and its cause. Each bracelet is hand beaded onto an elastic band with a copper BEAD RELIEF tag. Each bracelet is $6.00

and 25% of your purchase goes to the International Bipolar Foundation.

 

Bracelets come in three sizes, 6, 7, 8 inches (S,M,L). Select your size!

Order Here
   HOW YOUR DONATION WILL BENEFIT IBPF'S     
  MISSION
RESEARCH STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
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.

BIPOLAR DISORDER CLINICAL TRIAL



Sharp Mesa Vista is currently enrolling men and women aged 18-75 with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder for outpatient clinical trials. Eligible participants may 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. For more information, or to see if you qualify for a study, contact

Tonya Bell, RN at 858-836-8373 or [email protected]

Learn More Here


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.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A BRAIN IMAGING RESEARCH STUDY


 

How to Participate

To determine if you are eligible, you will first be asked a few questions on the phone.

You will also be interviewed in person and have a physical exam to make sure it is safe for you to participate.

If you are interested, please call our study coordinator at

(631) 638-2053 

PARTICIPANTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER OR
SCHIZOPHRENIA NEEDED
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE!

August 9th, 2014
San Diego, CA
**************************
AMHSA's 2014 Voice Awards
August 13, 2014
Los Angeles, CA  
**********************

National Suicide Prevention Week 

September 8-14

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10 September, 2014
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DGBS: "Bipolar Disorder: Up Close and Personal"
18-20 September 2014
Wurzburg, Germany
***********************

Early Childhood Mental Health Conference

 Sept 19-20, 2014

San Diego, CA

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27th Annual U.S. Psychiatric and  Mental Health Congress September 20-23, 2014 Orlando, Florida
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September 14-18, 2014
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September 25-28, 2014
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October 9, 2014
Global
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November 9, 2014
Anaheim, CA
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13 Pan Arab
November 27-29th
2014
Beirut, Labanon
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ISBD Annual Conference
June 3-6, 2015
Torronto, Canada
*******************
10th International Congress of the INA
Oct 14-16, 2015
Jerusalem, Israel
**********************
March 3-6, 2015
Japan




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

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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.