My Support Newsletter, November 2024 | |
Dear International Bipolar, | |
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November is a time for gratitude and appreciation, and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for helping us build a strong, informed community. Your contributions—of all kinds—have played a vital role in advancing our mission of raising mental health awareness and empowering individuals with lived experience, as well as their caregivers, to thrive.
This month serves as a reminder of the importance of our connections, our shared commitment to staying informed, and the compassion and resilience we cultivate together. We are grateful for the positive impact you’ve made, and we wish you a day filled with gratitude, celebrated worldwide!
Every day we are with you, wherever you are on your journey!
To your health,
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Debbie Shaeffer
Executive Director
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Remembering Terence A. Ketter, M.D. | | |
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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Terence Ketter, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, on November 1, 2024.
His research focused on the etiology, phenomenology, and treatment of bipolar disorder, and he received numerous accolades and recognition throughout his career. He also served on our Scientific Advisory Board for many years, and we are truly grateful for his invaluable expertise.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his enduring contributions.
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What Does it Feel Like to Have a Manic Episode? | |
Did you know that we have videos dating back 10 years on our YouTube channel? Here is one of our most popular videos ever! Check out our channel to view more. | | |
 
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Movember
Each November, "Movember" is recognized. Movember serves to bring awareness to men's health issues and provide safe spaces and education. As a man, it is okay to seek help! Visit our resources to learn more, as well as this conversation starter guide from the Movember Foundation:
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In this webinar, Paris Scobie shares her story of how she went from being a patient struggling from inside the walls of a psychiatric hospital newly diagnosed with bipolar to returning to work at this same hospital years later. Paris discusses what she has seen be successful in her personal experience of dismantling the roots of self-stigma, how her work has allowed her to help others, and the routine she lives by today to keep her mental health her top priority | | |
 
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January 19, 2025 – We want to see you!
We invite you to meet-up with IBPF, mental health advocates, and individuals with lived experience at the Carlsbad Marathon! Join us at our ocean view volunteer tent as we support the runners, make new friends, and promote mental health awareness together. It’s an early morning event so we will have plenty of coffee and bagels! Learn more about the Carlsbad Marathon here.
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Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder
Available on Kindle
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The third edition of our free book, Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, is now available to read on Kindle!
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Efficacy and acceptability of lurasidone for bipolar depression
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New form of repetitive magnetic brain stimulation reduces treatment time for bipolar disorder | |
FDA Approves Iloperidone (Fanapt®) For Bipolar I Disorder | | |
 
 
 
 
Save 30% (preorder now or upon release) if you use the code HTWN | |
Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma
by Michelle D. Sherman, PhD, ABPP, and DeAnne M. Sherman
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Family members and friends of adults with a mental illness often navigate difficult journeys, filled with fear, heartache, frustration, helplessness, exhaustion, and guilt—feelings that may be intermingled with immense pride and hope. Suffering in silence can magnify confusion, isolation, and pain.
Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma provides actionable strategies for these family members and friends who give so much but whose needs and sacrifices are often unappreciated.

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"Funny, You Don’t Look Bipolar" | |
There's a curious link between depression and body temperature, study finds | |
Reconsideration of bipolar disorder as a developmental disorder | |
Latest Faces of Hope and Recovery | | |
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But the greatest victory in my journey was the moment I realized that despair didn’t have to define the rest of my life. I understood that I could overcome it and live the purposeful life I had always dreamed of. From that day on, I stopped defining myself by my illness and started learning to live alongside it.
Read more.
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The biggest insight I gained throughout this experience is that the mind is THE most powerful vessel in our body. We truly can do anything we set our mind to, and what we think, we ultimately become.
Read more.
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One of the moments I’m most proud of in my journey managing Bipolar Disorder 2 was when I decided to share my story publicly for the first time. After staying silent for 2.5 years following HR’s advice to keep my diagnosis hidden, I finally felt that I had to break free from the secrecy and stigma.
Read more.
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I have been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 since 2005, even though living with it hasn’t been easy, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional book writer(7 books already published),a motivational speaker,a mentor of life and a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s (my mother suffered from it for 20 years) and soon for NAMI.Sometimes I can’t believe all that I have achieved, but I’m blessed to have a husband, family and friends whom supports me through my ups and downs.
Read more.
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Getting a diagnosis can be overwhelming at any age, especially during the teenage years. This resource serves as a reminder to teens that they’re not alone—many others have faced similar life experiences, and it is entirely possible to lead a stable, fulfilling life! | |
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San Diego County is proud to offer the Blue Envelope Program, along with many additional counties. The program is designed to promote inclusivity and serve as an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members diagnosed with a condition or disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, anxiety or other conditions, including bipolar disorder, that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.
Check your community for availability!
Get your Blue Envelope Materials at our office in San Diego, CA!
Email info@ibpf.org to coordinate an appointment.
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We want to hear from you!
Your questions, challenges, and feedback will help shape the content of our blog and education articles, so please reach out to info@ibpf.org to request a featured topic.
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eBay for Charity has partnered with the PayPal Giving Fund to make it easy for sellers to donate 10% to 100% (or as low as 1% for eBay Motors vehicles) of your item's final sale price to a certified charity. Choose IBPF as your charity and make an impact!
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IBPF is proud to be part of Ralphs Community Rewards program. We encourage you to participate by linking your rewards card to IBPF. Community Rewards is an easy way to make an impact on the mental illness community! The more you shop with us, the more money IBPF will earn! | |
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Support us with PayPal Giving Fund; there are no fees and we receive 100% of your donation!
Support us with a debit or credit card and choose between a monthly or one time donation!
THANK YOU!
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Stay Connected with us on Social Media! | | | | |
