GETTING HELP
Living with a mood disorder is much like living with diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease or a similar illness. Currently, none of these conditions can be cured, but they can be managed. Once accurately diagnosed, mood disorders are highly treatable. Finding the right treatment may take lots of patience and persistence, but most mood disorders can be managed successfully. Often, it takes a combination of medication, therapy, support and lifestyle changes.
You may be able to locate professionals through one or more of the following:
- family, friends, coworkers or neighbors
- a therapist or counselor
- a primary care provider
- a mental health support group or nonprofit association
- a hospital, clinic or medical school
- a medical association or licensing board
- an employee assistance program (EAP) or an insurance carrier
Please note that Lana Castle can provide neither counseling nor direct referrals. You may be able to find suitable services through one of the following:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): www.dbsalliance.org 1-800-826-3632
Healthy Minds: www.healthyminds.org 1-888-357-7924
Medem: www.medem.com 1-415-644-3800
1-800-Therapist: www.1-800-therapist.com 1-800-843-7274
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com
Bipolar Disorder Demystified offers more information about getting help, including
- what to communicate to doctors and therapists
- how to work with doctors and therapists as a team
- signs that it's time to get help
- how to encourage others to get help
- when hospitalization may be indicated
