All of us at International Bipolar Foundation wish you a Happy 2017.  May your year be filled love and good health.  As we look at each of our New Year's Resolutions, may you find strength and courage to take time for self-care and resolve to be mentally healthy and strong.  

As incoming Chairman, I want to take this opportunity to thank Muffy Walker, Co-founder and Chair Emeritus for her commitment, tireless service and dedication. She is the true Champion behind International Bipolar Foundation. Best wishes to Muffy and her family.

Warm wishes,
Susan Berger


Featured Blogs
Sign Up to Watch Our Next Live Webinar
Dennis Hartman Presents Latest On Ketamine For Bipolar

With Dennis Hartman



Wednesday, January 25 at 9am Pacific Time
Register here  (time zone converter at link)

Dennis Hartman, of the Ketamine Advocacy Network, will present the latest on the controversial use of the anesthetic medication ketamine for extreme cases of treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Details coming soon!

This webinar will be recorded and posted here the following week. 
See the rest of our upcoming webinars here
Sign Up For Our Upcoming Live Webinar
Treating And Being Treated: When A Sufferer Helps With Suffering

With Daniel Giers, MBA, LCPC



Wednesday, February 1 at 9am Pacific Time
Register here  (time zone converter at link)

What happens when the therapist who treats bipolar disorder also suffers the same illness? This discussion will cover the pros, cons, and dangers of this professional intersection of hurting and healing. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Daniel Giers, leads you on his personal journey of Bipolar Disorder and treatment and the effects on his graduate school training and his professional work with fellow sufferers. Learn the ins and outs of how personal experience can help or harm the therapeutic connection. Learn more here

This webinar will be recorded and posted here the following week. 
See the rest of our upcoming webinars here
In the New York City area? Join us! 
IBPF is hosting "Touched With Fire: New York City Luncheon With Kay Jamison Ph.D. & Paul Dalio" on February 13, 2017. Details here.



Watch Our Latest Recorded Webinar
In this webinar Dr. Carrie Bearden discusses factors associated with increased risk for mood disorders in adolescence. These include brain maturation and sleep/circadian changes that occur during this time period. Implications for treatment are also discussed. 

Tell us what you think! After you've watched the webinar, please take our  follow-up survey.

The information contained in or made available through this webinar cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any specific treatment, drug, food or supplement. International Bipolar Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or received from International Bipolar Foundation.
 
See the rest of our recorded webinars here.
Recorded Webinar with IBPF Board Member 
Randi Silverman
Randi Silverman will be discussing issues around parenting a young child with bipolar disorder, which she has experienced first hand. Randi is a member of the IBPF board, the Associate Producer of the short film ILLNESS and a Producer and Co-Screenwriter of the film NO LETTING GO. She has led numerous community-based awareness campaigns and support groups related to child and adolescent mental health. 

Tell us what you think! After you've watched the webinar, please take our  follow-up survey.

The information contained in or made available through this webinar cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any specific treatment, drug, food or supplement. International Bipolar Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or received from International Bipolar Foundation.
 
See the rest of our recorded webinars here.
Video: Kevin Hines Presents A Farewell To Muffy Walker IBPF Champion


Mental Health Awareness Patch

Mattise Pickett is one Girl Scout who recently earned our Mental Health Awareness Patch. 

Matisse was presented the patch by  Representative Kenneth Walker of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi Family As Allies Executive Director, Dr. Joy Hogge.

She answered some questions for us about her experience earning the patch. Read the interview here

Learn more about our Mental Health Awareness Patch here.
 
What does psychosis look like in children? How can you tell the difference between psychosis and an active imagination?

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

This month's expert: 
Ellen Leibenluft, M.D.


Question:  What does psychosis look like in children? How can you tell the difference between psychosis and an active imagination?

 
Answer Given how children's view of the world changes as they get older, it can be difficult to differentiate psychosis from an active imagination, especially in young children. In answering this question, it is important to consider the child's age and developmental level. Hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there are very common in children.  These normal experiences usually last for only a short time, and they often occur at bedtime.  Psychosis, unlike active imagination, typically is accompanied by other relatively serious problems, such as major changes in behavior or marked, persistent mood or anxiety symptoms.  If you are concerned, and if your child is not seeing a mental health professional that you can ask, then consult your child's pediatrician.  



About Dr. 
Leibenluft :  
Ellen Leibenluft, M.D. is Senior Investigator and Chief of the Section on Bipolar Spectrum Disorders in the Emotion and Development Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health.
Dr. Leibenluft's research involves the use of cognitive neuroscience techniques and neuroimaging modalities, including functional MRI, to uncover the brain mechanisms that underlie bipolar disorder and severe irritability in youth.  Read her full biography   here

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

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