September 2014
Greetings! 

Last month the world lost Robin Williams, a great human being and actor. Some of us will remember him as the alien in "Mork and Mindy," the nanny in "Mrs. Doubtfire," or Teddy Roosevelt in "A Night at the Museum," but none of us will forget the sad twinkle in his eye and the joy he brought to audiences everywhere.

Robin Williams took his life after years of fighting depression, mania, alcoholism and substance abuse. 

Tragically, the feelings of hopelessness that can accompany depression got the best of him. Williams' death is yet another wake-up call that has reignited the discussion about mental illness and the need to create a stronger public dialogue about helping those who suffer from mental illness.

What makes his death so difficult to comprehend is not only our love for him as a comedic genius, but that he seemingly had it all - success and the resources to fight back.

The inconvenient truth, though, is that mental illnesses can be fatal. According to Tom Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, "These illnesses are currently just as fatal as the 'big killers.' We must continue to invest in research to develop new and more effective treatments for people with depression and other mental illnesses. The goal must be a future in which no lives are lost as a result of suicide."

 

About one million people die by suicide each year (WHO). In September we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10) and Suicide Prevention Month.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3000 people on average take their lives daily, with every person who commits suicide, 20 or more others attempt to end their lives.

 

You can help decrease these statistics by:

 

  • Raising awareness that suicide is preventable
  • Improving education about suicide
  • Spreading information about suicide awareness
  • Decreasing stigmatization regarding suicide
  •  

    If you or someone you know is thinking of self- harm, PLEASE get help. Please click here for International Suicide Hotlines 

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

    MEET OUR NEW
    SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

     
    Welcome! 



     

    Robert M. Post, M.D.                          Charles L. Bowden, M.D.
    Read Bio Here                                                                                 Read Bio Here

    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. 


    SEPTEMBER WEBINARS


    Victoria Maxwell: Purpose, Passion and Wellness: When Work Heals

    Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 at 9:00 am PDT

     

    Join Victoria as she reads excerpts from her shows, takes questions, and talks about her transition from a traditional 9 - 5 job into the speaking profession. Discover how finding your passion can enhance your mental wellness.

    Victoria Maxwell (BFA/BPP*), self-proclaimed Bipolar Princess, is one of North America's top speakers on the 'lived' experience of mental illness, recovery, returning to work and dismantling stigma. She lives with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis, and has been presenting her workshops and award winning one-person shows across Canada and the States for more than thirteen years. www.victoriamaxwell.com

    You will also find her blogging for Psychology Today under 'Crazy for Life: Escapades of a Bipolar Princess' (www.psychologytoday.com/blog/crazy-life )

    (*Bachelor of Fine Arts / Bi-Polar Princess)

     

    Space is limited. Reserve your seat now at: 

    https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/856421038

     

     

     


    Dr. Thomas Jensen: Childhood Bipolar Disorder
    Wednesday, September 17th, 2014 at 9:00 am PDT

     

    Dr. Jensen will cover: 

         The treatment of acute mania.

         The use of traditional mood stabilizers.

         The treatment of the depressed Bipolar patient.

         The treatment of comorbid anxiety or ADHD.

     

    Dr. Thomas Jensen serves as the medical director of the International Bipolar Foundation. Treatment resistant mood disorders are his specialty and he has treated several thousand people with mood disorders. Also, he teaches on the faculty of the UCSD school of medicine, and lectures extensively in the San Diego community.


    Space is limited. Reserve your seat now at:

    https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/923887814

     

    Better Health Through E-Health: Practical Self-Help Internet Tools For Mood And Anxiety Disorders With Dr. Sagar Parikh
    Wednesday, September 24th, 2014 at 9:00 am PDT  

    Learning Objectives:

    a. Tips on ways to know if a website has credibility

    b. Review key sites that provide self-monitoring tools and the types of tools

    c. Review how to use free internet CBT tools to improve symptoms. 

     

    Dr. Parikh is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, where he has been Director of Continuing Mental Health Education, and Head of General Psychiatry.  At Toronto's major hospital grouping, the University Health Network, he completed two terms as Deputy Psychiatrist in Chief and currently serves as the President of Medical Staff Association.  Previously, he was head of the Bipolar Clinic and Director of CME at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.  Dr. Parikh is the author / editor of two books and over 140 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and co-author of CANMAT treatment guidelines for Depression and for Bipolar Disorder.

     

    Space is limited. Reserve your seat now at:

    https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/171381494

     

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

    SEPTEMBER LECTURE


    Lecture and Book Signing with Author, Sara Cornwell
    September 23rd at 7:30 pm
    La Jolla, California
     
    For more information, click here.
            WALK/RUN WITH US IN CALIFORNIA!
    Be a part of our Inaugural Stigma Busters 5K Fun Run/Walk to Benefit International Bipolar Foundation!

    Join us in support of funding research, providing support services and raising awareness for mental health. 

     

    Where: Kit Carson Park           When: October 25th                             REGISTER 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!

    Kait Mauro

    Andrea Piekarski-Susalla

    Paula Bostrom

    Susan Zarit


























    FEATURE ARTICLE

     

    Humanistic Heart: Coaching with Bipolar Disorder

     by Chris Cole

     

    The growing field of coaching, particularly life coaching and recovery coaching, brings a significant amount of confusion to the table for treatment teams regarding the prevention, intervention, and maintenance of bipolar disorder. As a person living with bipolar disorder, I know very well the magnitude of misinformation, and I also have an intimate understanding of the healing power of humanistic principles, specifically Carl Rogers' concepts of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. As a coach, I have the opportunity to provide a relationship that may encourage a "humanistic heart," one more capable of change, action, and treatment compliance while recognizing everyone's innate worth.


    NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

    INTERNATIONAL:

    AUSTRALIA & SWEEDEN:

    CHINA:



    SAUDI ARABIA:

    SWEEDEN:

    TAIWAN:

    Perinatal risk factors for suicide in young adults in Taiwan.


    UNITED KINGDOM:










    UNITED STATES:












    *** International Bipolar Foundation Scientific Advisory Board Member(s)
    **   International Bipolar Foundation Board Member


    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

     
    BLAZING MY BIPOLAR TRAIL

    I dedicate this short volume to mental health consumers. When your loved ones tell you that you have mental issues listen to them. When they tell you that you need help seek it. May you develop the capacity to manage your life by accepting the mental issues with courage and self-�-respect! 



    MOVIE: DAVIN
    A powerful new Irish film attempting to highlight the impact of suicide on wider society is being streamed free online in an effort to encourage those at risk to seek help.


    A RELENTLESS HOPE: SURVIVING THE STORM OF TEEN DEPRESSION
    Depression and related illnesses threaten to wreck the lives of many teens and their families. Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? 

    THRIVE

    Shows that mental ill-health causes more of the suffering in our society than physical illness, poverty or unemployment. This book explores the new effective solutions to the misery and injustice caused by mental illness. 


     

    Read More


    WALKS ON THE  MARGINS
    Walks on the Margins: A Story of Bipolar Illness is a tale told in tandem by a mother and son fighting the devastation of bipolar disorder together. 


    LOVE LETTERS FROM THE EDGE
    Meditations offering practical hope through biblical expressions of lament and God's relentless, unconditional love for the hurting.


     
    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

    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A BRAIN IMAGING RESEARCH STUDY

    To be eligible you must:

    -Be between the ages of 18 and 65

    -Have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder

    -not use drugs or drink a lot of alcohol

     

    If you choose to participate, you will have a brain scan to measure certain receptors in the brain that may be related to bipolar disorder.  You will be paid a possible total of $400 or more. (HIC 1101007933)

     

    If you are interested and think you may be eligible please call our study coordinator at

    (203)737-6884. 

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE!


    National Suicide Prevention Week 

    September 8-14

    **************************
    10 September, 2014
    **********************
    September 16th, 2014
    Washington, DC
    ***************************
    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

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

     

    27th Annual U.S. Psychiatric and  Mental Health Congress September 20-23, 2014 Orlando, Florida
    ***********************

    DBSA Live Web-Stream Event: Better is Not Well

    September 25th, 2014

    Illinois or Webstream

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

     






    September 14-18, 2014
    *********************
    September 25-28, 2014
    *********************
    October 9, 2014
    Global
    **********************
    November 9, 2014
    Anaheim, CA
    ***********************
    13 Pan Arab
    November 27-29th
    2014
    Beirut, Labanon
    ******************
    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

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