Our Mission
Our mission is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
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Behavioral Health Quality of Life Tool
Take our BHQLT questionnaire and learn about healthy lifestyle choices to help you manage your physical and mental health.
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Educational Videos
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International Bipolar Foundation's contact info
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International Bipolar Foundation
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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this directory. However some changes may occur between updates. Please check with your provider to ensure that he or she participates in your health plan.
Last Updated: February 13th, 2012
Activity
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Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered:Why should I take my bipolar disorder medications regularly?
It is very important not to repeatedly go on and off your bipolar disorder medications, as sometimes the drugs don't work the second time around after being discontinued. This is particularly important in a difficult-to-treat form of the illness and if multiple medications were tried before you became...Read More -
International Bipolar Foundation answered:How should I choose a doctor for my child with bipolar disorder?
Find a pediatrician or child psychiatrist (or pediatric psychiatrist) who specializes in mood disorders. Be persistent in finding someone who has had extensive experience with children manifesting symptoms of all kinds of mood disorders. Ask the doctor or pediatric psychiatrist whether they've treated...Read More -
How can I tell if it's bipolar depression or postpartum depression?
Bipolar depression is almost always preceded by or followed by mania or hypomania. Look in your past to see if you have had periods of activation, periods of increased energy, periods where you have been depressed but anxiety agitated hyper, and restless. All of these things suggest bipolar disorder. Read More -
Dr. Russ Federman, PhD of International Bipolar Foundation answered:What should I do if I think I have bipolar disorder?
If you think you have a bipolar disorder, make an appointment to see a mental health professional who has expertise in the area of bipolar disorder. It’s important that you learn whether or not your hunch is accurate. While you’re waiting for that appointment, start paying close attention to your...Read More -
International Bipolar Foundation answered:
How can I start an exercise program?
The best way to start an exercise program depends on the type of exercise:- Cardiovascular activity: Choose an exercise like walking or jogging that you can build up to slowly. Perhaps start with 20 to 30 minutes of activity per day and work your way up to an hour over time. Make sure you can carry
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
How much physical activity do adults need?
The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as walking, on most days of the week for adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), target heart rate should be 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate....Read More -
International Bipolar Foundation answered:
What are the health risks of sitting for long periods of time?
Sitting for long periods of time can harm you in seven ways:- Head: Sitting for long periods of time may cause blood clots to form which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
- Neck: Fluid retained in the legs during the day moves to the neck at night and may contribute to sleep apnea. Also,
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
How can I stay motivated with a walking and exercise program?
To stay motivated with a walking and exercise program you can:- Find pleasure in your exercise by choosing an activity you like to do.
- Schedule your workouts, put them on your calendar and stick to your plan.
- Workout with friends and family, or join a running club, dance group or sports team.
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
What are the benefits of regular exercise?
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are too numerous to ignore. With exercise, you can have fun, reap health benefits and feel better.
Exercise helps control weight. Extra weight is a contributing factor to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke,...Read More -
International Bipolar Foundation answered:
Why is sitting for long periods so bad for me?
According to Dr. James Levine, inventor of the treadmill desk, “sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.”
Sitting is the new smoking because it:- Increases the risk of obesity
- Increases
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
What types of exercises can I do if I want to get in shape?
Exercises to get in shape are generally grouped into three categories depending on the effect they have on the human body:- Aerobic exercises increase cardiovascular endurance. Examples include walking, running, swimming and playing basketball.
- Anaerobic exercises increase short-term muscle
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
What might be symptoms of bipolar disorder in a teen?
Look over the following characteristics associated with bipolar disorder. If your teen's behavior matches four or more, you should have him or her evaluated for bipolar disorder with a doctor.- explosive and frequent outbursts
- chronic irritability—more irritability than peace or joy
- cravings
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International Bipolar Foundation answered:
Why should I educate my loved ones about my bipolar disorder?
Perhaps the most important aspect to strengthening a relationship after mental health symptoms have caused harm is education about bipolar disorder. Of course, you must seek out information about bipolar disorder for yourself, but you must also ensure that your loved ones are educated on your condition...Read More -
International Bipolar Foundation answered:
How does bipolar disorder affect a person's mood?
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of...Read More -
Dr. Thomas Jensen of International Bipolar Foundation answered:
What is a mixed state with bipolar disorder?
A definition of a mixed state in bipolar disorder is a hybrid condition with simultaneous features of mania and depression. For example, one may experience the irritable low mood of a depression, but greatly amplified by racing thoughts and high energy of a mania. Other combinations of manic and...Read More
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