Useful organisations, websites and books
We have endeavoured to list current details for organisations. This list does not represent an endorsement of the organisations concerned and we mention them as a resource only.
Australia
Bipolar disorder:
beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au
Info line: 1300 22 4636
Mailing address: PO Box 6100, Hawthorn West, VIC 3122
Devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and postnatal depression in the community. Contains a wealth of helpful information including symptom checklists and advice on how to find a GP or psychologist in your area.
Black Dog Institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Info line: (02) 9382 4530
Mailing address: Hospital Road, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031
An educational, research and clinical facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders. Includes information for the public as well as health professionals.
HealthInsite www.healthinsite.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6289 8488 (Mon - Fri business hours)
An Australian Government initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. Aims to improve the health of Australians by providing easy access to quality information about human health.
Moodswings www.moodswings.net.au
An online self help program for bipolar disorder with material based on an effective face-to-face group programs.
SANE Australia www.sane.org
Helpline: 1800 18 SANE (9am-5pm and messages can be left after hours)
Email: info@sane.org
Mailing address: PO Box 226, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Provides helpful information and support for people with bipolar disorder and their close family and friends. Offers downloadable factsheets.
Crisis Help Lines
These lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See also your local telephone directory.
Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au
Ph: 13 11 14
Staffed by trained volunteer telephone counsellors who operate from call centres in every state and territory.
Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au
Ph: 1800 55 1800
Australia's only free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Medication/Drug and Alcohol Lines and Services
Alcohol & Drug Information Service
Ph: 1800 811 994
Line is open 24 Hours a day / 7 Days a week. Provides drug and alcohol counselling and information and referral.
Australian Drug Information Network: www.adin.com.au
Funded by the Australian Government this site provides access to Internet based drug and alcohol information from reputable sites both in Australia and internationally.
Quit smoking
Quitline www.quitnow.info.au
Ph: 131 848
Support line to help smokers with strategies and support to stop smoking.
Anxiety management
Anxiety Treatment Australia www.anxietyaustralia.com.au
Provides information about anxiety disorders, treatment options, psychologists around Australia who treat anxiety disorders, group therapy & workshops, support groups, articles, resources and links to other sites.
Panic Anxiety Disorders Association Inc. (PADA) www.panicanxietydisorder.org.au
Ph: (08) 8227 1044 (Mon – Thur 9.30am – 2.30pm)
Mailing address: PADA Inc., PO Box 83, Fullarton, SA 5063
A consumer organisation providing resources, referral, information and discussion groups to help assist people recover from anxiety disorders.
Looking for a psychologist?
Psychological Societies in different countries usually offer a list of psychologists that may help you to find a registered psychologist in your area. Another alternative is to ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Australian Psychological Society www.psychology.org.au
Ph: 1800 333 497
Mailing address: Australian Psychological Society, PO Box 38, Flinders Lane, VIC 8009
The largest professional association for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 15,500 members.
United States
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar World www.bipolarworld.net
An extensive website with information, ask an expert, chat and links.
Bipolar Disorder Sanctuary www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar
Includes mental health blogs, personal stories, ask a therapist, mental health workshops and recommended book lists.
Bipolar Significant Others mailing list www.bpso.org
This is a supportive e-mail exchange group for relatives or friends of people with bipolar disorder. Members share information and support.
McMan’s Depression and Bipolar Web www.mcmanweb.com
Comprehensive site on bipolar disorder.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org
Information helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Mailing address: NAMI, Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Offers information, advocacy and support. NAMI organisations exist in every state and in over 1,100 local communities across the country.
National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.ndmda.org
US toll free: (800) 826 -3632
Postal address: 730 N Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60610-7224
Consumer directed national organisation focusing on major mental illness.
Provides information, strategies, online and face-to-face support, podcasts and brochures.
National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov
US government site. Descriptions of anxiety, panic and related disorders and their treatment for non medical readers.
Mental Health America www.nmha.org
Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK
Mailing address: 2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311
Non-profit mational mental health association addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness in the US. Also offers information on bipolar disorder in children.
PsychEducation.org www.psycheducation.org
Detailed information on bipolar disorder along with useful tips like finding a therapist.
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation www.bpkids.org
Non-profit organisation providing information on bipolar disorder in kids and a network of parents and experts.
Depressed Teens www.depressedteens.com
Information for teens and their parents and educators on depression and bipolar disorder.
International Society for Bipolar Disorders www.isbd.org
The ISBD has as its missions the promotion of awareness of this condition in society at large, promotion of awareness and education about this condition among mental health professionals, fostering research on all aspects of bipolar disorder, and promotion of international collaboration in this area.
Crisis Help Lines
These lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See also your local telephone directory.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
US toll free: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Callers seeking assistance with mental health services are routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Calls are free and confidential.
Medication/Drug and Alcohol Lines and Services
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline www.addictioncareoptions.com
US toll free: 1800 784 6776
Also able to chat online with a live person.
Drugwatch www.drugwatch.com
Phone: 800-452-0949
Email: webmaster@drugwatch.com
An online database of information about both over-the-counter and prescription drugs and medications. Includes details about possible side effects, dosages, and interactions between drugs and other chemicals.
Quit smoking
QuitlineNC www.quitlinenc.com
US toll free: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1 800 784 8669)
Provides free support in quitting, a quit plan, educational materials and referral to local resources.
Anxiety management
Anxiety Disorders Association of American www.adaa.org
Ph: 240-485-1001
Mailing address: 8730 Georgia Avenue – Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
National non-profit organisation providing information and resources about anxiety and referral through find-a-therapist link.
Anxieties.com www.anxieties.com
Self-help resource for people with anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress, fear of flying and other phobias.
Looking for a psychologist?
Psychological Societies in different countries usually offer a list of psychologists that may help you to find a registered psychologist in your area. Another alternative is to ask your doctor for a recommendation.
American Psychological Association (APA) www.apa.org
Mailing address: American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
Ph: (800) 374-2721 or (202) 336-5500
With 148,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide.
United Kingdom
Bipolar disorder
The MDF Bipolar Organisation www.mdf.org.uk
Ph: 08456 340 540 (UK Only) or 0044 207 793 2600 (rest of world)
Email : mdf@mef.org.uk
Mailing address: Castle Works, 21 St George’s Road, London SE16ES
User-led charity offers range of self-help resources and support, including legal advice line and employment advice.
SANE UK www.sane.org.uk
SANELINE: 0845 767 8000 (12 noon until 2am 365 days year)
Email: info@sane.org.uk
Mailing address: 2nd Floor Worthington House, 199-205 Old Marylebone Road, London W1 5QP
A campaigning mental health charity. Its helpline gives information and support to anyone coping with mental illness.
Crisis Help Lines
These lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See also your local telephone directory.
Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk
National helpline: 0345 90 90 90
Mailing address: Samaritans, PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA
Provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Available to anyone in the UK or Ireland.
Drug and Alcohol Lines and Services
FRANK – National Drugs Helpline www.talktofrank.com
Ph: 0800 77 66 00
Ring FRANK anytime and speak to a friendly adviser who's professionally trained to give you straight up, unbiased information about drugs.
National Alcohol Helpline
Ph: 0800 918 82 82
Quit smoking
QUIT www.quit.org.uk
Ph: 0800 00 22 00
An independent charity with the aim of helping smokers to stop. Provides individual advice and information. Personal stories from quitters available to watch online.
Anxiety management
NO PANIC (National Organisation for Phobias, Anxiety, Neuroses, Information and Care) www.nopanic.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 0545 (10am – 10pm daily)
Mailing address: 93 Brands Farm Way, Randlay, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 2JQ
A voluntary charity whose aims are to aid the relief and rehabilitation of those people suffering from panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), other related anxiety disorders, including tranquilliser withdrawal, and to provide support to sufferers and their families and or carers.
Looking for a psychologist?
Psychological Societies in different countries usually offer a list of psychologists that may help you to find a registered psychologist in your area. Another alternative is to ask your doctor for a recommendation.
British Psychological Society www.bps.org.uk
Ph: +44 (0)116 254 9568
Email: enquiry@bps.org.uk
Mailing address: The British Psychological Society, St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR
The Society was formed in 1901 and has more than 45,000 members. Through its Royal Charter, the Society is charged with overseeing psychology and psychologists and has responsibility for the development, promotion and application of pure and applied psychology for the public good.
Recommended books
Personal accounts and books on managing bipolar disorder
Basco, M. R. (2006) The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for controlling your mood swings, New York, The Guilford Press.
Duke, P. & Hochman, G. (1992) A brilliant madness: Living with manic-depressive illness, New York, Bantam Books.
Jamison, K. R. (1995) An unquiet mind: A memoir of moods and madness, New York, Vintage Books.
Jones, S., Hayward, P. & Lam, D. (2003) Coping with Bipolar Disorder: A guide to living with manic depression, Oxford, Oneworld Publications.
Kelly, M. (2000) Life on a Roller-Coaster: Living well with depression and manic depression, Sydney, Simon & Schuster.
McManamy, J. (2006) Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder: What your doctor doesn’t tell you…That you need to know, New York, HarperCollins.
Miklowitz, D. J. (2002) The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What you and your family need to know, New York, The Guildford Press.
Miklowitz, D. J. & George, E. L. (2007) The Bipolar Teen: What you can do to help your child and your family, New York, The Guildford Press.
Parker, G. (2002) Dealing with Depression: A commonsense guide to mood disorders, Crows Nest, Allen & Unwin.
Russell, S. (2005) Lifelong Journey: Staying well with manic depression/bipolar disorder, Melbourne, Michelle Anderson Publishing.
Scott, J. (2001) Overcoming Mood Swings: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques, New York, NYU Press.
Wigney, T., Eyers, K. & Parker, G. (eds.) (2007) Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression to heel, Crows Nest, Allen & Unwin.
Books on dealing with anxiety
Bourne, E. J. (2005). The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook 4th edition, Oakland, New Harbinger Publications.
Copeland, M. E. (1998) The Worry Control Workbook, Oakland, New Harbinger Publications.
Fox, B. (2001) Power Over Panic 2nd edition, Frenchs Forest, Pearson Education Australia.
Hyman, B. M. & Pedrick, C. (2005). The OCD Workbook: Your guide to breaking free from obsessive compulsive disorder 2nd edition, Oakland, New Harbinger Publications.
Rapee, R. M. (1998) Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A step-by-step approach, Lanham, Jason Aronson Publishers
