Support services for bipolar disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Support services are available to help you manage it.
If you’ve been diagnosed with or think you may have bipolar disorder, check out the following services, groups and organisations for information and support.
Urgent help
If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000.
If you’re feeling distressed and want to talk to someone right now, you can find a list of free, confidential helplines on our Urgent Help page.
Where to get professional help for bipolar disorder
If you think you might have bipolar symptoms, it’s really important that you visit a GP. They will work with you to find out what’s going on and refer you to other help if necessary, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The sooner you seek professional help, the easier it will be to manage your symptoms.
Head to HealthDirect's directory of mental health Ppractitioners to search for a GP in your area.
If you want to talk to someone anonymously, you can visit ReachOut PeerChat to speak with a trained peer worker about anything that’s worrying you – big or small. PeerChat is now available on demand 3–8 pm Monday to Thursday and 1–5 pm on Fridays.
You can also visit the following for text-based support:
headspace online chat (available between 9 am and 1 am AEST 7 days a week)
Kids Helpline WebChat Counselling (for young people under 25, available 24/7)
Lifeline Crisis Chat (available 24/7)
Organisation specialising in providing support to people with depression or bipolar disorder. They offer self-tests for bipolar disorder and suggestions for actions you can take.
Visit the Black Dog website for more information.
National mental health organisation that provides information and resources for people living with complex mental health issues. Offers information, lived experience stories, and guides to getting practical support for bipolar disorder.
Visit the SANE Australia website for more information.
Government health service with information about bipolar disorder and links to additional services.
Visit the HealthDirect website to check out their resources.
A source of information on how to help yourself or a loved one, with questionnaires, definitions and resources, as well as chatrooms and a discussion board.
Visit the MoodSwings website for more information.
Specialised clinical psychology service that produces resources for people dealing with particular problems, including cognitive behavioural techniques for managing difficulties.
Take a look at the Centre for Clinical Intervention guides for living with bipolar disorder for more information.
Provides self-help strategies for managing symptoms of bipolar disorder, preventing relapse and supporting your wellbeing.
Take a look at Helpguide's tips for living with bipolar disorder for more information.
An interactive self-help service from the Black Dog Institute to help you track your moods and build resilience.
Visit the myCompass website for more information.
What can I do now?
Make an appointment with your GP.