INTERNATIONAL BIPOLAR FOUNDATION

IBPFs activities and programs are as follows, all free of charge:Ibpf.org WebsiteProvides a complete overview of bipolar disorder addressing those living with the illness and their caregivers. This includes all webinars, blogs, upcoming events, and more.HUGS for KidsThis program benefits children who are admitted to psychiatric units and their caregivers. Each kit will provide critical resources for the affected youth and their families, as well as comfort items to ease the childs inpatient stay, such as a sweatshirt, slipper socks, note card for parents including a message of hope from IBPF, and plush animal friends for the very young. These vulnerable patients are feeling hopeless, scared, lonely, unloved, and/or unlovable. The IBPF comfort kits will wrap the children in comfort, and show them that they are worth it, and that their recovery is real and valued, says Dr. Carpenter of Sharp Mesa Vista. Also, an invitation is offered to attend our Caregiver Connections meetings. These meetings provide education, and a safe place for families to speak openly and feel a connection to other families on similar journeys.Social MediaIBPF interacts with over 345,000 followers daily through our social media platforms. We provide support, education, and hope through our diverse array of content ranging from our own blogs, webinars, and other programs to the latest in research, relevant news stories, messages of inspiration, and lived experience stories. Our comments section allows our audience, many with little physical access to support and resources, to connect with others to form an online community. We also collaborate with mental health advocates and other organizations to expand our reach to encompass the diversity of our community.High School Essay ContestWe believe that mental health education is most effective when it begins in our youth. Our annual essay contest asks teens between 13 and 19 to research on a particular mental health topic, and then perform a specific activity to foster mental health awareness in their communities. The top 3 entries receive a cash award and recognition on our website.College and Community OutreachThis program offers the screening of the Lift the Mask film created by the Quell Foundation, with a panel discussion including mental health professionals following. This program has had an important impact on hospitals, both general and psychiatric, as well as college campuses and adult and young adult groups throughout the nation, as it shares the daily lives and perspectives from those living with mental illness as well as caregivers. This film allows better understanding, which normalizes conversations around mental health, encouraging people to get help when needed, and ultimately hoping to reduce the alarming number of suicides in our world.Girl Scouts Mental Health Awareness PatchOur Mental Health Awareness patch is available to all scouting organizations. While it originated with the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, we have also distributed patches to American Heritage Girls, Girl Guides, and others. With the increase in youth bullying, suicide, and drug use, Girl Scouts are actively fighting to create change. Through a program to educate and reduce the stigma of mental illness, Girl Scouts can earn the Mental Health Awareness Patch developed by us for playing a positive role in their communities. With approximately 1 in 4 people in the U.S. diagnosed with a mental illness, awareness of those impacted is also growing. The opportunity to learn about mental health is consistent with the Girl Scout organizations dedication to the health and well-being of all girls. In earning the patch, scouts: Learn how the brain impacts mental health Explore how discrimination against those with a mental health condition makes it difficult to seek help Learn about many great achievers who experienced mental illness Research how mental health is portrayed in the media Create anti-stigma campaign activitiesHealthy Living With Bipolar Disorder BookPublished by IBPF, our book features contributions from experts in mental health such as clinicians, scientists, and those with lived experience. Our book is shipped directly to individuals and families, and is also shipped to clinicians, support groups, employers, school administrators, counselors, and outreach for the homeless and those incarcerated. The book is available on Kindle or hard copy, and as a PDF in several languages.Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder is broken into 3-sections: About Bipolar Disorder: includes chapters on Children and Adolescents, Treatment, Suicide, Substance Abuse, Pregnancy, Stigma, and Aging Healthy Living: includes chapters on Medication, Nutrition, Natural Treatments, Spirituality and Faith, The Workplace, College, Social Interactions, Travel, and the Caregiver Resources: Medication Charts, Medication Side Effect Checklist, Mood Chart, Exercise Journal, and moreQuarterly Lecture SeriesHeld in various locations throughout San Diego, with featured speakers being experts in the field as well as those with lived experience.Other Activities and ProgramsIBPF provided $-0- and $10,000 in research grants for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In addition, IBPF has outreach and referral programs, webinars, newsletters, educational videos, blogs, brochures, and program and advocacy collaborations with International Society for Bipolar Disorders, National Council for Behavioral Health, American Brain Coalition, Medcircle, and Sharecare. Through social media and website engagement, they host Sayitforward and World Bipolar Day awareness and anti-stigma campaigns.