For some, August means another month of summertime fun. For others, school will soon be back in session with a new schedule to cope with. Here are some tips to help you get the kids out the door and to school on time:
  • Agree on the schedule
  • Get clothes, lunches and backpacks ready the night before
  • Get the kids to bed on time, and make sure you're getting enough sleep too!
  • Invest in alarm clocks to help everyone get up on time, play music
  • Keep breakfast simple, but healthy
  • Keep morning chores to a minimum
  • Keep an emergency kit in the car (barrettes, hair brush, power bar, few extra dollars to buy lunch, etc)
  • Don't forget time for snuggles, a kiss goodbye & an "I love you"
  • Realize that kids need your help moving through their new routine
Having a well thought out routine, will make this transition easier for you and your kids.

To your health,
Muffy Walker 
Featured Article


This article explains why it can be harmful to casually use the word bipolar when describing objects that aren't working properly or are unpredictable. 
We also give you a list of words to use instead. 

Read more of our articles  here.
Watch Our Latest Recorded Webinar

Racial And Ethnic Issues In Diagnosis And Treating Bipolar Disorder
Racial And Ethnic Issues In Diagnosis And Treating Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is often 
misdiagnosed, but among ethnic minorities, an early accurate diagnosis is more the exception then the rule. Some of the reasons for the under recognition are discussed in this webinar. These include a failure to recognize culturally related idioms of distress, bias of providers, failure to appreciate mood states in people of color, and the worsening of symptoms due to treatment delays. 




See the rest of our recorded webinars here.
Sign Up to Watch our Next Live Webinar

With Kathy Lutes

Wednesday, August 10 at 9am Pacific Time
Register here (time zone converter at link)

Join this webinar as we discuss the root causes of loneliness and learn tips on how to overcome it. Explore the healing agents for loneliness: awareness, acceptance, and compassion. 

Kathy Lutes currently works as the Director of Counseling for The Church at Rancho Bernardo. For 18 years she has been a passionate advocate for those living with a mental health diagnosis. Learn more here

This webinar will be recorded and posted here the following week. 
See the rest of our upcoming webinars here
Featured Blogs


by Tannika Majumdar Batra

by Ros Limbo

by Zoe DeCicco

Read more hopeful and informative articles  here.
Watch Our Latest YouTube Video


My Experience with Psychotic Depression
My Experience with Psychotic Depression


Sally describes the visual hallucinations and paranoia that she experienced during a depressive episode. 

Psychosis is usually associated with mania, but can also happen during a depressive episode as Sally explains here.





See more educational videos on our YouTube Channel.


How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Each month, a different expert from our Scientific Advisory Board will answer your questions about bipolar disorder research and treatment. 

This month's expert:  Eduard Vieta, M.D., Ph.D.

Question:  How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Answer: Bipolar disorder is diagnosed using clinical criteria, based on a number of symptoms and their severity and duration. This means that there is no unequivocal objective way to confirm the diagnosis yet. However, if someone fulfills the criteria that are described in either the DSM-5 or the ICD-10 (the two systems that are used for that), the diagnosis is undoubtful and the potential benefit of treatment is very high. 

The problem is that quite many people have some of the symptoms but not all, and therefore do not qualify for the diagnosis despite having many of its features and consequences. The use of clinical criteria is still the best system until the ongoing research can provide ways of confirming the diagnosis which are not exclusively based on symptoms, as in other areas of medicine. If anyone has reasonable doubts on his/her diagnosis, it may be good to get a second opinion from another specialist.

About Dr. Vieta:  Eduard Vieta is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Barcelona and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Hospital Clinic, where he also leads the Bipolar Disorders Program in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.  Read his full biography here

For more answers from our experts, visit our Sharecare page.
Research Updates


Learn more about the latest studies in bipolar research here.
San Diego Lecture
Tuesday, August 23 at 6pm in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA.



Do you have questions about applying for Disability or Medi-Cal?
Learn about legal and financial planning resources including SSI, Medi-Cal, and Special Needs Trusts at our free lecture in San Diego on August 23. 

This event is designed for individuals living with a mental illness as well as caregivers.


The lecture will be recorded and posted here the following week. 
See the rest of our upcoming events here
About International Bipolar Foundation

International Bipolar Foundation is a not for profit organization based in San Diego whose 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. 

International Bipolar Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or received from International Bipolar Foundation.

Visit us online for more information: www.ibpf.org

Support our mission with a tax deductible donation


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