MDF: The Bipolar Organization offers a self-management course for people with bipolar disorders in the UK. Workshops, led by two people who have the diagnosis themselves, are held in locations across the country and teach these subjects:

• Session 1- Describes the principles of self-management and the aims and objectives of the course. Discusses the personal expectations of the participants and the nature and impact of manic depression.
• Session 2 – Identification of triggers and warning signs.
• Session 3 – Coping strategies and self-medication.
• Session 4 – Support networks and action plans.
• Session 5 – Strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and drawing up an advance directive.
• Session 6 – Complementary therapies, coping strategies and finalising action plans.

The intent is to teach people the triggers and warning signs of an impending manic or depressive episode and have an action plan to put in place to prevent them or reduce the severity of symptoms. Knowledge is empowering and helps people gain control of their illness.

There is a 12 pound administrative fee, but MDF will pay reasonable travel expenses for its members.

It’s a terrific model of its kind from a non-profit self-help organization, and hopefully other groups like America’s Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and Canada’s various provincial bipolar support groups will pick up on it.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 23 Mar 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.