A booklet developed to help people affected by bipolar disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic is now available for use across Australia.

“Staying Home with Bipolar: Information for the Coronavirus Emergency” was produced by Bipolar Australia using funds donated by the MAX Foundation, the charitable foundation of one of Australia’s largest employment services providers, MAX Solutions. The 16-page booklet provides ideas and resources to help people living with bipolar, including families and carers, cope more effectively with the societal changes that have been introduced to reduce the impact of the virus, such as physical distancing and working from home.

Bipolar Australia Executive Director Susana Bluwol said the project was part of Bipolar Australia’s ongoing commitment to support all Australians impacted by bipolar.

“Many people are feeling isolated and anxious because of the need to stay at home,” Ms Bluwol said. “The ‘Staying Home with Bipolar’ resource will give Australians with lived experience of bipolar and their families tips and tools that they can use to continue successfully managing the condition while minimising the impact of COVID-19.”

MAX Solutions Managing Director Deborah Homewood said the guide was an example of the positive impact that the organisation’s charitable foundation delivers through employee contributions and matched company donations.

“I am very pleased that the MAX Foundation has been able to assist the 598,000 Australians with bipolar disorder during this difficult time,” Ms Homewood said. “Our organisation supports many customers who have complex mental health conditions, such as bipolar, and we look forward to sharing this guide in the communities we work with.”

Bipolar Australia Board of Directors Chair, Scientia Professor Philip Mitchell AM, said that reducing the impact of the recent social and economic changes on people living with bipolar would ensure that more health system resources are available to support patients affected by COVID-19.

“We encourage every person with bipolar to read this short guide, and to take steps that can reduce their risk of becoming unwell,” Prof Mitchell said. “When we all work together to improve the wellbeing of Australians with bipolar, we are also helping those who will be seriously affected by the coronavirus over the coming months.”

Download Booklet

You can read this Booklet online for free: http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/resources/staying-home-with-bipolar/.

But if you’d like to have your own copy, you may download it for a Tax Deductible Donation of only $5.  If you wish to donate $15 or more, you will also receive a copy of our earlier booklet, Coming Home with Bipolar. Your Receipt will be sent to the email address you provide. http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/resources/staying-home-with-bipolar/

More resources for staying home with bipolar

This section has links to tools and resources that can help you to manage bipolar during the coronavirus emergency. Click on any of the headings below to read more.

To read more about the coronavirus in other languages, click here.