Our moods are rarely completely stable and the world would be a very boring place if they were. But in bipolar disorder, or manic depression, mood swings aren't like normal highs and lows, they are much more intense. About one in a hundred people are diagnosed with it at some point in their lives - but there are big knock on effects on family and friends... The manic phaseThe highs, or 'manic' phases can make people feel enormously energetic and powerful....people tend to become hyperactive, going without sleep and embarking on totally unrealistic schemes or projects. Sometimes the high spins out of control and the person behaves in ways they later find deeply embarrassing - running up debts and so on... The depressive phaseThe depressive phase is similar to other forms of depression. It's characterised by a lack of energy and interest in life, low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt and despair. Steven Fry's been diagnosed with it - and is doing a documentary on the BBC.... Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive 19 and 26 September, 9pm, BBC Two. BBC Radio Stoke's looking at bipolar in more depth with a series of features looking at the hospitals that treat the disorder, treatments that can help and stories from people in Straffordshire and Cheshire. LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SUPPORT GROUPSBeth Johnson Foundation – Pathways Project & Volunteering For HealthFor people living in Stoke-on-Trent, aged 45+ who may be experiencing depression, stress and anxiety.
Tel: 01782 844036 ChangesChanges is a mental health charity that provides a recovery service for people in mental distress.
Tel: 01782 289592
E-mail: [email protected] Weblink: Changes >
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Uttoxeter Action in DepressionFor anyone aged between 16-60 years with depressive illness, support, information, social contact, activities, crisis line, visits and emails.
Tel: 01889 568440 South Staffordshire Network For Mental HealthIndependent charity offering a voice to people with mental health problems across South Staffordshire.
Tel: 01543 301139 North Staffs Combined Healthcare NHS TrustA provider of complex care services - Learning Disabilities, Adult Mental Health, Specialist Mental Health, Older People, Children, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Dental. North Staffs Carers AssociationThe N.S.C.A. offers information, support, training & a listening ear to any informal Carer, confidentially, sensitively & FREE OF CHARGE. North Staffs User GroupThe NSUG work hard to get improvements in local mental health services.
WEBSITE: www.nsug.co.uk VisyonAims to provide emotional support for 11-25 year olds in and around the Congleton Borough.
Telephone: 01260 290000 Visyon website >
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The Bipolar OrganisationA network of self-help groups, advice and information for people with bipolar disorder/manic depression, their families and carers. | 
