Community is one of the most important aspects of emotional stability in humans. Despite the fact that approximately 3-4% of the population has bipolar disorder (source), many of us do not personally know someone who is open about their experience with bipolar. Communities of people with bipolar stand as a cornerstone of strength and support for individuals navigating the complexities of the disorder. Within a community, whether online or in person, individuals find a space of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. It’s a place where conversations flow freely, fostering a sense of belonging that counteracts the isolation often linked to bipolar disorder.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a platform for individuals to express themselves openly without fear of judgment, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with the condition. Through shared experiences and insights, individuals gain emotional support, coping strategies, and a sense of validation. Moreover, they offer practical guidance, share resources, and promote self-advocacy, empowering participants to take an active role in their mental health care.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) holds support groups for people with mental illnesses and for people with loved ones with a mental illness. Although every meeting is different, I was immediately struck by how many people with bipolar there were at my local chapter’s meeting (approximately half the group has bipolar). Some meetings are in person, while others are online.
NAMI Connections (the support group for people with mental illnesses) is run by people with mental illnesses, is free of cost, and is for people 18+ only. Look here to see if your local NAMI holds NAMI connections meetings.
NAMI also holds support groups for loved ones of people struggling with mental illness. Look here to see if your local NAMI hosts these support groups.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance hosts in-person and online support group meetings for people with, you guessed it, depression and bipolar as well as their loved ones. DBSA’s groups are peer-led. As DBSA explains:
“As independent affiliates of DBSA in their communities, DBSA chapters offer peer-run support groups across the nation where you will find comfort and direction in a confidential and supportive setting, and where you can make a difference in the lives of others. The selection of services offered differs by chapter, depending upon the needs of its participants. Most support groups are volunteer-run and provide self-help through facilitated meetings. Our support groups do not serve as group therapy; however, many of our chapters have professional advisers (typically a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, or social worker) from the community.”
Taken From the DBSA Website
Find your local DBSA chapter here.
Find online DBSA groups here.
Online
Online communities hold immense significance for individuals grappling with bipolar disorder. These digital spaces offer a unique avenue for connection, support, and knowledge-sharing regardless of geographical boundaries. Individuals facing the challenges of bipolar disorder can find solace, understanding, and camaraderie within these online communities. Additionally, online spaces facilitate access to a wealth of information, resources, and coping strategies, empowering individuals to take an active role in managing their mental health while fostering a global network of empathy and encouragement.
I personally use and visit the r/Bipolar subreddit nearly every day. The community and the guidance I have received from this subreddit are invaluable.
This is how the r/Bipolar subreddit describes itself:
“We are a haven for people with Bipolar Disorder (including Cyclothymia and Schizoaffective Disorder) and those on their journey towards a diagnosis to discuss Bipolar-related issues; a community, not just a help page. Be a part of something that cares about who you are.”
r/Bipolar About/Description
There is also the sister page to r/Bipolar which is r/Family_of_Bipolar which is for the loved ones of people with bipolar.
Not to sound like a boomer, but Facebook is a great place to find bipolar community. Some of the largest (one Facebook group claims to be the largest bipolar discussion group on the internet) bipolar support forums can be found on Facebook. Some examples of support groups on Facebook include Bipolar Disorder Support Group – A Global Community, Bipolar disorder and Manic depression SUPPORT GROUP, and Bipolar Support.
“Since being founded in the summer of 2013 we have subsequently grown into the largest bipolar disorder discussion group on the internet and we would love to have you join us! While our group is very large, the support for all our group members is not dwarfed by the population. You will find people from all walks of life and situations here. This group is not focused on us as admins, but on you, the members.
This is a safe space for those of us with bipolar disorder to have frank discussions about our lives and what we are dealing with. Remember, you have a disorder, not a character flaw! 🙂
When you have bipolar disorder, you often have to go about life covering up how you truly feel to please others. This is where you can really let everyone know how you are really feeling. Trust me, we get it.
Thanks for joining! I hope you find what you are looking for in here”
Bipolar Disorder Support Group – A Global Community About
In Conclusion
Regardless of where you decide to search for community, making that leap to find community is incredibly important. Spending time with people who share the same issues as you, who have similar life experiences to you, can be very beneficial for your mental health.