Mental Health Independent Support Team
FREEPOST NAT 13914
Bolton
BL1 4ZZ
MhIST Bipolar Group
The MhIST Bipolar Group is a self help group for people whose lives are affected by Bipolar Disorder
(Manic Depression)
Meetings are held once a month on the 1st Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm
Telephone for details or just come along. 01204 527200
Bipolar Disorder is an illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs experienced by most people, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be severe.
It is now being recognised that a person’s own perceptions of themselves and their situation can be improved, which has a beneficial effect on their mental wellbeing and stability.
Joining a self help group may be one way of bringing about positive changes to your life or someone else’s.
The group was formed in November 2004 after several enquiries had been made to the MhIST Office. Despite the existence of a “Depression Group” at MhIST it was felt there was a need for people in the Bolton and surrounding area with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder to share knowledge and concerns especially about treatment and medications.
Meetings have been held regularly since then and members have organised walks for friends/family and have met up for social events on a regular basis.
The facilitators and organisers of the group are MhIST volunteers and decisions about the running of the group are put to a vote.
What can I gain from being in a self help group?
Support from people who have similar experiences
The reassurance that you are not alone
Information
Self esteem
A different perspective
A chance to meet new people
Members of the self help group WILL!
make you welcome
share knowledge
treat you with respect
respect your confidentiality
give you the opportunity to speak your mind
listen without judging
help you find out about your illness and available treatments/medications
How does it work?
Members of the self help group WILL NOT!
tell you what to do
judge you
put you under pressure to speak if you do not wish to
The group is run according to MhIST‘s guidelines.
MhIST is a registered charity, supporting several self help groups and offering a range of services to people with mental health problems.
Mental Health Independent Support Team
