Bipolar Disorder Online Support Group

It is natural for us to feel emotions, both positive and negative. We feel happy, sad, anxious, or helpless at different times in our lives. But, if your mood shifts from extreme low to extremely high and in reverse often, it might be a sign for bipolar disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

While the term bipolar disorder might sound daunting, it is not an uncommon mood disorder experienced by 3 million adults in the United States per year. The disorder causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

People having a manic episode may:

• Feel  “jumpy,” “high” or irritable

• Have a decreased need for sleep

• Have a loss of appetite

• Feel like their thoughts are racing

• Think they can do a lot of things at once

• Feel like they are unusually important, talented, or powerful

People having a depressive episode may:

• Feel very sad, “down,” empty, worried, or hopeless

• Have trouble falling asleep, wake up too early, or sleep too much

• Experience increased appetite and weight gain

• Talk very slowly, feel like they have nothing to say, forget a lot

• Feel unable to do even simple things

• Feel hopeless or worthless, think about death or suicide

The causes of depression vary among biological to environmental factors such as genetic features, brain chemical imbalances, environmental distresses, and psychological and social influences.  

How Support Groups Can Help?

Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional. 

Feeling isolated or lonely might be a vicious cycle that leads to worsening bipolar disorder symptoms. Support groups can allow us to make connections, providing tangible benefits to people experiencing mental health issues. 

Benefits of participating in support groups can include:

• Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma

• Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

• Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

• Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope

• Learning about health, economic or social resources

Benefits of online support groups can include:

• Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time

• More frequent or flexible participation

• A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional

• A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups

• Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups

You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.