BP Community
homeThe truth about bipolar disorder is largely misunderstood.
Most certainly there are challenges, but bipolars are gifted and blessed to have such a range of feeling, as this deeper understanding helps us see the intensity of human emotions in its fullest spectrum. And we need to put our vision out there so that others can benefit from it! Bipolar issues need to be shared through the arts, media and our community living so that the misunderstanding, fear and confusion hovering around the illness can lessen.
Much of the following information benefits the bipolar crowd. Websites, media issues, community and national BP happenings, and related stories about stigma. The ongoing stigma related to mental illness--especially bipolar disorder—is still alive in our society. Our stories are frequently belittled and misunderstood, but if we continue to tell them, fear and confusion around bipolar disorder will lessen.
Stigma is still a reality in the bipolar person’s life. It is sometimes intimidating on a daily basis to face the ignorance behind the prejudice, but at least if we can expose it, the point is well-made. Check out this simple advertisement video on stigma and forward it to others
Must See Videos:
Brain researcher Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for. She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness -- shut down one by one. It’s an astonishing story and breakthrough in brain science. With the knowledge Jill has in the brain research field, being able to study her own stroke as it happened has enabled her to become a powerful voice for general brain recovery and in mental illness.
Check out more suggested videos in Jen's Playlist on her Youtube Channel...http://www.youtube.com/user/SicilianoJen
And more...
Bipolar Books:
Bipolar Advantage, Bipolar in Order by Tom Wootton
The Bipolar Handbook: Real Life Questions with Up to Date Answers by Wes Burgess
Electroboy by Andy Behrman
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison
The Up and Down Life: The Truth about Bipolar Disorder- the Good, the Bad, and the Funny by Paul E. Jones
Detour - My Bipolar Trip in 4D by Lizzie Simon
Mental Illness and Mental Health Advocacy Groups:
NAMI: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
MHA: Mental Health Association
DBSA: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Jen's Meetup group, Creative Bipolars United of NY,
got a spot on a standout list of
The New York Observer entitled:
"The 10 New York Meetups that Sound Amazing"
Creative Bipolars United of New York is no longer a meetup group but it's goal was to bring together bipolar artists, (musicians, poets, writers, videographers, thespians, etc.), who wished to unite in support of each others' ideas and projects in the art world. The meetup ran for a successful year and a half, but the group has recently closed.
Not to fret! The aim of the group is still alive and kicking--to influence public opinion about mental illness and shine a more positive light on it, while busting the stigma through our artistic message.
If you have any creative ideas or projects you are interested in chatting about, please email me and I will get back to you and be happy to discuss!!
Follow the link below to see the article:
Speak and Be Heard Campaign
Jennifer Gaita Siciliano was the
video finalist winner for the
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
2010 Speak and Be Heard campaign:
Click on picture to learn more!
Check it out!!
Bipolar Websites:
www.Bipolaradvantage.com
www.electroboy.com
www.bringchange2mind.com
www.bipolarboy.com
www.mcmanweb.com
Bipolar Facebook Pages:
Bipolar Depression Group
Making Sense of Mental Health
National Bipolar foundation
Rambling Thoughts of a Bipolar
No Stigmas
Bipolar Badge of Honor (group)
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Creative Bipolars United of NY
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Drawing by visiting artist at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
Mental Illness or Mental Wellness.
Balance is the key.
With all the stigma surrounding this issue, it provides such hope to see organizations like NAMI, National Alliance for Mental Illness, to be working so hard in the community for things like education, support for families and consumers, and advocacy for our rights.
Every year we make an effort to walk for the organization in their NAMIWalks march across the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC. NAMIWalks are nationwide.
Please click on and take a look at our NAMIWalks page.
