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Educational Articles
A wealth of information to learn and share on topics centered around bipolar disorder.
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I am newly diagnosed
You should know that you are not alone. 60 million people worldwide have bipolar disorder, and 1 in 4 people experience some type of mental illness.
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International Bipolar Foundation is here to help learn more about living with bipolar disorder. We believe that education is key to managing symptoms and here you can find information to help you on your journey to recovery.
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If you care for a loved one who has bipolar disorder, you are what we call a “caregiver.” An important thing you should remember as a caregiver is not to forget to take care of yourself.
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Upcoming Webinars & Events
Save the Date I October 4, 2025
Join us for Starry Night, an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and community as we raise support for our free programs. Stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter here or checking back soon for all the exciting details! Can’t attend? You can...
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An Experience in San Diego, California! April 19 at 6:00 PM PT at Viejas Arena. 20% of every ticket purchased through this special link supports International Bipolar Foundation! Make a difference – grab your seats now!
Social and Environmental Variables as Predictors of Mania
April 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT Register for the free webinar with Sheri L. Johnson, Ph.D., here. Why do manias happen when they do? Genetics tell us something about who is likely to experience a manic episode, but why does a given episode unfold? We will discuss the...
From Our Blog
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Bipolar Disorder and GLP-1s
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood, energy, and activity level shifts, which manifest as mania or hypomania (elevated mood) and depression (lowered mood), is associated with neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), structural and functional brain abnormalities, and genetic factors (NAMI, 2024). Individuals with bipolar disorder often experience co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety disorders, which can worsen mood fluctuations (NAMI, 2024). Irritability, anger outbursts, and emotional lability are also common.
Why I Advocate: Bringing Comfort to an Uncomfortable Topic
In 2011, I experienced my most devastating manic psychosis. To speak my truth, I didn’t expect to survive that episode. It changed me as a person. It was a traumatizing period for me and for those who loved me. I had already experienced mania and depressive episodes with psychotic features at the time of my diagnosis at nineteen. However, this episode was different.
Learning From The Sidelines
As is the same with so many varsity athletes, training and competing takes up the majority of my time and energy, but more importantly, my passion and purpose. So, when I found myself hospitalized with a mixed episode while in the midst of my first college badminton season, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the only thing on my mind was getting myself out before my next tournament. I was in complete denial of everything that was going on around me – I don’t think I had a single conversation with any member of the staff that didn’t include me talking about my upcoming tournament.
My Journey with Aromatherapy & Bipolar Disorder: Focus, Stress & Sleep
I sometimes found myself frustrated at work, looking for temporary escapes from the modern madness of life. I tried stress balls and taking walks on my lunch break, although these had minimal effects on me. I remember reading something that said out of our five senses, the strongest is smell.
The Stigma of Bipolar Disorder: 10 Myths vs. Reality
Navigating the world with bipolar disorder can sometimes feel like walking through a hall of mirrors, where distorted reflections of reality constantly challenge your perception. For those unfamiliar, bipolar disorder is often shrouded in misconceptions and are perpetuated by sensationalized media portrayals and outdated stereotypes.
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