The Best Family & Caregiver Resources for Bipolar Disorder for 2024
A quick Google search can turn up a lot of resources for individuals living with bipolar disorder, but finding support specifically tailored for their family, friends, and partners is not quite as easy. This guide offers a carefully selected list of the best places to find support in 2024 for people who care about and want to help someone with bipolar disorder. As you review the recommendations below, remember that each person's path to wellness is unique. Always listen to your gut and use the resources that speak to you the most.
The Best Bipolar Family Support Groups for 2024
Connecting with other families navigating similar situations can bring tremendous relief. There are many parents, friends, and partners out there who have been through it and are happy to share their stories and what has worked for them.
Be Aware
Free support groups are usually peer-led, meaning no mental health professionals are present. Support groups are not a substitute for family therapy or guidance from a social worker. Attendees are not experts, and direct advice about medications or specific treatments should not be exchanged in these settings.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the gold standard for family support groups and mental health education. There are over 600 chapters nationwide, with an abundance of online or in-person meetings to try out. Keep in mind that NAMI’s goal is to address a variety of mental health conditions, not exclusively bipolar disorder. NAMI’s different offerings can be a lot to sort through, so I’ve broken them all down below to help ease your search.
Option 1: NAMI Family Support Groups
• Open to any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
• All group leaders are certified by NAMI after intensive screening and training processes.
• Discussions focus on sharing challenges, successes, and coping strategies.
• Respect for diversity, inclusive language, and multicultural acceptance should be expected.
• You may be required to register, email, or call your local NAMI chapter before showing up.
Search Groups by State
Search California Groups by County
Recommendation: NAMI San Francisco offers many specialized groups including Parents of Teens, Spanish and Cantonese meetings, Siblings Only and BIPOC-specific groups.
Option 2: NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program (8 Weeks)
• 100% free courses taught by NAMI-trained family members.
• Includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises.
• Practice crisis management, problem solving and coping skills
• Learn about the newest treatments and therapies
• You will be required to register, email, or call your local NAMI chapter before showing up.
Find Family-to-Family classes by State
Find California Family-to-Family Classes by County
Option 3: NAMI Family & Friends (4 Hour Class)
• A free seminar taught by NAMI-trained family members.
• Basically a shorter version of the NAMI Family-to-Family Program (see above).
• Click here to download the free PDF companion book (97 pages).
• Classes are held on a limited basis. You will be required to register in advance.
Find the Next Class Near You (by State)
Find the Next Class in California (by County)
Option 4: NAMI Basics On Demand (Self-Paced Online Course)
• This is not a support group, but useful if you are short on time.
• Created for family caregivers of youth under age 22.
• Includes six video courses with quizzes.
• Free, unlimited access—leave and rejoin class whenever you want.
Click here to start the course now.
The Best Podcasts for Helping Families with Bipolar Disorder 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: Families Are Complicated and Bipolar Doesn’t Help (37 mins)
Let’s Talk Bipolar by Bipolar UK
• Hosted by Bipolar UK ambassador Emma Belle, who has bipolar disorder.
• Interviews with healthcare professionals and stories of lived experiences.
• Over 20 episodes are available.
• Recommended episode: Paul Allen - Supporting My Adult Child Through Diagnosis and Living with Bipolar (63 mins)
The Best Bipolar Disorder YouTube Videos for Families and Caregivers in 2024
Lessons from Mom: How to Help a Loved One with a Mental Illness
TEDx speaker Sarah Mikulski shares her experience and wisdom gained from years of supporting her mother, who lived with bipolar disorder. Watch now (20 mins)
Words to Say, Things to Do: How to Help Your Loved One Living with Bipolar Disorder and Yourself | International Bipolar Foundation
Dr. Susan J. Noonan’s excellent presentation is packed with clear, practical advice for improving communication, setting boundaries, and avoiding caregiver burnout. Highly recommended. Watch now (1 hour)
When Mental Illness Enters the Family | Dr. Lloyd Sederer
TEDx speaker Dr. Lloyd Sederer shares warning signs of mental illness, what to do next, and advice about navigating the broken US healthcare system. Watch now (15 mins)
The Best Family & Caregiver Books for Bipolar Disorder for 2024
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner (Second Edition) by Julie A. Fast and Dr. John D. Preston
One of the few books about bipolar disorder that focuses on partner relationships, care collaboration, and communication skills. Chapters include “The What Works List,” “Responding Instead of Reacting Takes Time,” and “Money Solutions.”
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (2019) by Dr. David J. Miklowitz, PhD
An easy-to-understand, general reference book with answers to questions like “Is It an Illness or Is It Me?” and “Does My Child Have Bipolar Disorder?” Includes a special chapter on women’s health.
Living with Someone Who’s Living with Bipolar Disorder by Chelsea Lowe and Dr. Bruce M. Cohen
An easy-to-understand, general reference book with answers to questions like “Is It an Illness or Is It Me?” and “Does My Child Have Bipolar Disorder?” Includes a special chapter on women’s health.
Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You and Your Loved Ones (2020) by Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D.
For those interested in science, this book details bipolar disorder neurobiology, pharmaceuticals, and innovative research studies. The author also covers psychological and family therapy in extensive detail.
Self-Compassion Guided Practices and Exercises
Caring for someone living with bipolar disorder takes tremendous strength. Caregivers need help and compassion, too. Here are 18 free guided audio meditations that I personally love, created by Dr. Kristin Neff at Self-Compassion.org.
This resource guide was created specifically for family, caregivers, and partners of those living with bipolar disorder. The books, videos, classes, and groups included have been carefully vetted for up-to-date accuracy for 2024. I hope they will help you understand bipolar disorder, respond more effectively, manage crises, and extend compassion to your family and yourself. I plan to continuously update this guide with diverse, innovative resources. If you have any recommendations to add, feel free to share them below.
~ Jacob Wilen