hand - help from others
Bipolar Disorder Support—
Where Can I Go for Help?

I'm handling this all alone.

If you feel all alone in handling bipolar disorder:

  • Consider asking a trusted family member or friend to join you for your next doctor visit.
  • Consider asking your doctor about a bipolar disorder support group. To find a group in your area, visit www.nami.org or call 800-950-6264.

If you have trouble paying for your medicine:

If you are thinking about suicide:

  • Call 911 and get help right away before you act on these thoughts.
  • Don't stay alone. Stay with someone until help arrives.
  • Talk to your doctor or therapist.

If you abuse alcohol or drugs:

  • Educate yourself. Make an informed choice about alcohol and drugs of abuse.
  • Drugs of abuse can be street drugs or prescription drugs that are used improperly. Drugs and alcohol may interfere with medicines for bipolar disorder. Talk to your doctor.
  • Avoid all street drugs and talk to your doctor about all prescription medicines you use.

If you have problems at work, home, or school:

Bipolar disorder can affect your daily life and your relationships.

  • Take your medicine as directed, even when you are feeling better. Your symptoms may get worse or come back again.
  • Ask your doctor if psychotherapy, or talk therapy, may help you.

If you are trying risky or unusual activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (for example, excessive gambling, careless spending, violence, and legal/criminal issues):

  • Look for changes. Changes in spending habits, violent behavior, or sudden issues that are legal or criminal in nature can be signs of a mood episode.
  • Consider asking a trusted family member or friend to watch for signs of changing behavior.

Where can I go to learn more?

Bipolar Disorder

The National Alliance on Mental Illness
800-950-6264
www.nami.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
800-826-3632
www.dbsalliance.org

National Institute of Mental Health
866-615-6464
www.nimh.nih.gov

Mental Health America
800-969-6642
www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Suicide Prevention

National Hopeline Network
800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
www.hopeline.com

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcoholics Anonymous
212-870-3400
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
(check your phone book for local chapters)

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
301-443-3860
www.niaaa.nih.gov

National Institute on Drug Abuse
301-443-1124
www.nida.nih.gov

Support for Caregivers

Families for Depression Awareness
781-890-0220
www.familyaware.org

Many of the Web sites above are external to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline does not have editorial control over the content of the information provided in these Web sites and therefore does not guarantee their accuracy and completeness.

 
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