How Can I Find More Help?
There will be times as a supporter of a bipolar individual, when you feel that you have nowhere left to turn for help, not only for your loved one, but for yourself as well. You may want to add others that are in a similar situation as you are in to your personal support system and ensure that you have enough resources at your disposal when you need them. Familiarize yourself with your loved one’s circle of friends, medical practitioner, psychiatrist or psychologist and other people that can assist you when you need them. Know where the local hospitals, mental health facilities or other locations are and also keep a list of phone numbers that include your contacts as well as hotlines or critical care numbers if you need to call for assistance.
If nothing else, start with these basic points of contacts or sources that you can reach out to for referrals or other assistance:
- General Practitioners
- Religious counselors
- Psychiatric urgent care facilities
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- Employee assistance programs
- Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals
- Mental health centers
Nationwide Assistance Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
When Crisis Hits
If your loved one is in a critical phase or is displaying signs of either harming themselves or others and requires immediate help, take one or more of the following measures:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-TALKÂ (1-800-273-8255)
Take any statements or actions of suicidal tendencies extremely seriously. When the bipolar mind has reached this state, the affected individual is in distress and may not be able to help themselves through the episode. Take extreme care and use common sense when helping them through their crisis and do not hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
