May is a month of change. In many countries around the world, Mental Health Awareness Month is being celebrated; an area certainly in need of change. Discrimination and ignorance are still commonplace. This month millions of people will spread awareness and fight discrimination by participating in Mental Health Awareness Month. We ask each of you join in some way: there are so many ways to help!
  • Volunteer
  • Educate someone or yourself
  • Take a survey or register for a research study
  • Make a donation of time, treasure or talent
  • Reach out to someone in need
  • Connect and join others raising awareness within our online communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and ibpf.org.
 
Lastly, read below for inspiration this Mental Health Awareness Month and be sure to check out our blogging contest!

Warm wishes,
Susan Berger
Mental Health Awareness Month Blog/ Vlog Contest

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, IBPF is holding a blog/vlog contest for the opportunity to have your work published in addition to our normally scheduled content. The top submissions will be published and others may be considered for publication in subsequent months. If video is a preferred mode of expression for you, we would invite you to consider submitting a video blog (vlog).   
Sign Up For Our Next Live Webinar! 
9 to 10am PT on Thursday, May 18th, 2017

The Banana Project

Tune in to hear the story of David Leite, three-time James Beard Award winner, NPR correspondent, and award winning author, as he shares his lifelong love affair with food and struggles with bipolar disorder and his memoir, "Notes on a Banana."
Sign Up For Our Upcoming Live Webinar!

Watch our Latest Webinar Recording!
Finding Work That Works When You Have Bipolar Disorder

In this webinar, Carrie Lin shares her experience and advice as a successful career counselor helping people with disabilities find work.  
To be the first to access webinar recordings, follow us on social media!
Featured Blogs
Hear from IBPF Contributers for Mental Health Awareness Month!


by  Jayson Blair 

IBPF  Board Member, Jayson Blair, is a certified life coach and the managing partner of Goose Creek Consulting. Jayson is a nationally known mental health writer and consultant. Check out his piece on changing the conversation here


Read more of our blogs  here.
Ask the Expert
Your questions answered by the scientific community
 
This month's expert: 
Dr. Aaron Krasner, Adolescent Service Chief, Silver Hill Hospital and The Youth Mental Health Project
 
Question: How do I know if my child's thoughts, feelings or behavior are "normal" or signs of concern?
 
Answer: 
 If your child experiences any signs of concern, ask yourself the following questions:
Intensity: How intense are your child's behaviors, thoughts or emotions?
Frequency: How often does your child feel or behave this way?
Duration: How long do these individual episodes or periods last?
Functionality: Above all else, consider how your child is functioning and whether or not your child is impaired in any way at home, at school or with friends.

If your child's emotions or behaviors are more intense, frequent or longer in duration than most other children his or her age and those emotions or behaviors are causing impairment, it may be a sign of concern and you should contact a  mental health professional for a consultation. 
 
This Ask The Expert was produced by The Youth Mental Health Project and Silver Hill Hospital. 
 
For more answers from our experts, visit our Sharecare page.
Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder Book

Want to learn more? Newly diagnosed? Order your free copy of our 
Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder book. It is written for both people living with bipolar disorder and their caregivers.  The book is available in PDF,  Kindle , or hard copy here
Mental Health Books

 


Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression










Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania
 
by Andy Behrman











Find more mental health books here.


Reckless actions are a common symptom of bipolar disorder, even outside of mania. Good coping tools can rein in impulsivity and prevent the negative consequences.
PayPal Giving Fund

Donate using  PayPal Giving Fund, there are no fees and we receive 100% of your  donation!  Donate here.  

Are you an eBay seller? You can donate a percentage of your sales to IBPF through eBay for Charity, more details here
AmazonSmile
Do you shop on Amazon? At no cost to you, give back to IBPF using AmazonSmile to have a percentage of your purchases donated to IBPF. 
Get started  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!


Support mental health awareness through our educational programs with your donation. 
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