The Best Bipolar Disorder Resources for 2024
Finding reliable and up-to-date resources for bipolar disorder can be tricky, especially with the overwhelming amount of content available. Fresh perspectives and solutions can bring renewed energy to your recovery. This comprehensive guide provides a thoughtfully curated list of the best support resources for bipolar disorder in 2024. Remember that not every treatment, philosophy, or style will work for everyone, so take what you like and leave the rest.
The Best Bipolar Support Groups in 2024
Nothing is better than finally finding people who truly “get it.” In well-run support groups, members share and compare their stories and struggles and offer encouragement (but not direct advice). Group size, quality, and culture can vary, so try out a few and keep an open mind.
Be Aware
Free support groups are peer-led, meaning no mental health professionals are present. Support groups are not a substitute for therapy. Members are not experts; unfortunately, sharing medical misinformation is common. Medical advice should never be taken or given in these settings.
Video: What You Can Expect from a Bipolar Support Group | HealthyPlace (3 mins)
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
• Hundreds of peer-led groups are available nationwide
• Check HeyPeers for today’s group schedule
• Search for groups by zipcode here
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Search over 600 chapters nationwide
• Peer-led groups with volunteer opportunities
• Text “Helpline” to 62640 or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Bipolar 1 Group Support by Bipolar Stigmas Inc.
• Facebook group with 7.3K members
• Very active and supportive commenters
Bipolar Support Group: A Global Community
• Facebook group with 100+ posts per day
• Well-monitored for triggering posts
Reddit Communities:
r/bipolar
r/BipolarReddit
r/bipolar2
• Very active members
• Unmonitored and anonymous
• Helpful, intense, and can be triggering
The Best Bipolar Disorder Podcasts in 2024
Inside Bipolar by PsychCentral
• Interesting, accurate, and up-to-date information
• Co-hosted by a man with bipolar disorder and a psychiatrist
• Recommended episode: Does Hollywood Portray Life with Bipolar Accurately? (30 mins)
TalkBD
• Interviews with world-renowned bipolar experts
• Includes stories of lived experience
• The audio quality is not always great.
• Recommended episode: Creativity & Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Sheri Johnson (60 mins)
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
• Covers a wide variety of mental health issues beyond bipolar disorder
• The host is a comedian with a very dark sense of humor (NSFW)
• Guests include celebrities, listeners with lived experience, and licensed therapists
• Recommended episode: Bipolar, Mania & Motherhood – Amelia Zachry. (1.5 hrs)
• Can be triggering
The Best Bipolar Disorder Self-Help Books in 2024
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (2019) by Dr. David J. Miklowitz, PhD
A comprehensive reference book with answers to questions like “Does My Diagnosis Fit?” and “When Should I Go to the Hospital?.” Includes a special chapter on women’s health.
Bipolar Wellness by Michael Rose, MA
Simply written holistic guide focused on the mind-body connection, support systems, and how to protect your wellness long term.
The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook by Drs. Stephanie McMurrich Roberts, Louisa Sylvia, and Noreen Reilly-Harrington
Very thorough and educational. Perfect if you are newly diagnosed and starting therapy for the first time.
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder by Sheri Van Dijk, MSW
Filled with exercises and worksheets to help build mindfulness, acceptance, and improve relationships.
bpHope.com
Award-winning website and magazine. An up-to-date and reliable source for all things bipolar.
The Best Bipolar YouTube Channels in 2024
Polar Warriors
Popular bipolar channel, hosted by “professional patient” Robert Whittaker. Who shares his personal struggles and what works (and doesn’t) for him. New content added weekly.
Recommended video: Do you have to take meds FOREVER?! (5 mins)
Dr. Tracy Marks
Well-known psychiatrist with 30 videos in her All Things Bipolar playlist. Her videos are short (6 mins) and easy to understand. Recommended video: Bipolar 1 Disorder or Bipolar 2 Disorder: Which One is Worse? (6 mins)
TEDx Talks' Bipolar Disorder Playlist
TEDx talks always have great speakers from around the world.
Recommended videos:
The Lure of Mania: Achievement and Bipolar Disorder | Thomas Richardson (15 mins)
Finding Balance In Bipolar | Ellen Forney (17 mins)
International Bipolar Foundation Channel
Hundreds of hour-long webinars. Medical science and research focused.
Recommended webinar: Bipolar + Brilliant! Harnessing Your Creative Superpowers to Do Good Work in the World | Vasavi Kumar, LMSW (1 hr)
Bipolar Disorder Experts & Thought Leaders
Julie A. Fast
A brain disorder pioneer and writer with over 500k books sold and 15 million views of her work for bpHope.com and Psychology Today.
Kay Redfield Jamison
A respected psychologist with bipolar disorder and author of the memoirs An Unquiet Mind (1995) and Touched with Fire (1993), which was adapted into a film starring Katie Holmes in 2016.
This bipolar disorder resource guide aims to help those struggling to feel less alone on their path to stability and healing. I will continually update this as I discover and vet new resources, with a focus on innovation and diversity. Feel free to share your favorite resources in the comments below.
~ Jacob Wilen