| There are times when someone with bipolar | | | | Some websites offer chat rooms. The clear |
| disorder needs support or advice. They need | | | | advantage to chat rooms over forums is that |
| to have a support system comprising of | | | | the interaction between the members can be |
| family, friends, and mental health | | | | instantaneous. However, forums can offer a |
| professionals. But, where should someone with | | | | higher quality and quantity of responses to a |
| manic depression turn for support when no one | | | | particular question or concern. |
| else is currently available? The Internet can | | | | |
| be an incredible resource for someone with | | | | The websites are a source of valuable |
| bipolar disorder. | | | | information about bipolar disorder. Someone |
| | | | with the disorder should take the time to |
| Talking to those who are experiencing the | | | | educate themselves about their condition. If |
| same trials as you are can be cathartic. | | | | the person with bipolar disorder is on |
| Forums designed for those who have bipolar | | | | medication, they can read about the |
| disorder are a place where people with the | | | | medication on the manufacturer's website. |
| disorder can support each other and share | | | | |
| their experiences. It's like having an online | | | | If you find a website particularly |
| support group. | | | | informative, sharing this website with family |
| | | | and friends is helpful. Sometimes family and |
| Forums often include topics related to | | | | friends need an outside source of information |
| medications, relationships, stressors, | | | | about bipolar disorder. Though they should |
| anxiety, depression, mania, and general | | | | understand how bipolar disorder affects their |
| discussions. Members can post questions to | | | | loved one, they should also have access to |
| the group, share information, or reply to | | | | general information about the disorder. This |
| someone else. Among the forum members are | | | | information can validate the symptoms and |
| people who know and understand the struggle | | | | difficulties that the affected person is |
| of living with bipolar disorder. | | | | experiencing and increase their understanding |
| | | | of manic depression. |
| These forums can be a valuable source of | | | | |
| support, especially since they are always | | | | There are also websites designed specifically |
| available. Difficulty coping with the | | | | for family and friends of those who have |
| symptoms of bipolar disorder can occur at any | | | | bipolar disorder. On many of these websites, |
| time throughout the day or night. Having some | | | | they can interact with other members in |
| form of support that is available at any time | | | | forums or chat rooms. People who love someone |
| is essential. The downside to forums is that | | | | with bipolar disorder have many challenges. |
| there is no guarantee that someone will | | | | They have to cope with the symptoms of |
| respond to a particular post. There is a | | | | bipolar disorder right alongside their loved |
| chance that if you post to a forum, the post | | | | one who has the disorder. The Internet |
| will remain unread. Even if it is read, there | | | | provides a wealth of information and support |
| is a chance that no one will reply to it. | | | | for all those whose lives are touched by |
| | | | bipolar disorder. |