BIPOLAR COMMUNITY RESOURCE PROJECT

Bipolar Community Resource Project

Jay Key

Bipolar disorder is a difficult disorder to both live and work with. Once thought to be
separate disorders until the early 20th century, it is now characterized by the occurrence of at least
one manic episode that is often, but not always, accompanied by an episode of hypomania or
depression and that is not better explained by another disorder (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013; Mondimore, 2006). It is estimated that the 12-month prevalence rate for the
US population is 0.6%, meaning that over 1 million people in the US suffer from bipolar disorder
every year (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The manic episodes these people undergo
have a host of symptoms including: Abnormally elevated mood, an inflated sense of self, the
need for below average amounts of sleep, talking more than usual, flighty or racing thoughts,
easily being distracted, an increase in goal-oriented activity, and excessive involvement in
potentially dangerous or harmful activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Manic episodes often decrease an individuals ability to function (either socially or in
their work) and can lead to hospitalization (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It can be
seen positively in the US as well due to the increase in productive activity people with this
disorder sometimes exhibit (Martin, 2007). However it is often viewed negatively by other
people and can decrease the chances of employment (Elgie & Morselli, 2007). Furthermore the
suicide risk for bipolar disorder is estimated to be at least 15 times that of the general
population (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Compounding these facts is that bipolar
disorder can be difficult to treat. While family based therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm
therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are viewed as the most effective forms of treatment,
especially when including psychoeducation, it seems that a decrease in negative symptoms is

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impossible without medication (Geddes & Miklowitz, 2013; Mondimore, 2006). Because of the
high risks associated with bipolar disorder and the difficulty in treating it is imperative that
people who suffer from bipolar disorder seek help and support.

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed). Washington, DC: Author.
Elgie, R., & Morselli, P. L. (2007). Social functioning in bipolar patients: the perception and
perspective of patients, relatives and advocacy organizations a review. Bipolar
Disorders, 9(1-2), 144157. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00339.x
Geddes, J. R., & Miklowitz, D. J. (2013). Treatment of bipolar disorder. The Lancet, 381(9878),
16721682. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0
Martin, E. (2007). Bipolar Expeditions: Mania and Depression in American culture. Princeton:
Princeton University Press.
Mondimore, F. M. (2006). Bipolar disorder: A guide for patients and families (Second edition.).
Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Resources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Winston-Salem

Contact: Lydia Gastley

Phone: (336) 671-4867
Contact: Mary Potter (rcmp03@triad.rr.com)
Phone: (336) 945-4894
Contact email: dbsawinstonsalemnc@gmail.com
Website: http://www.dbsalliance.org/
DBSA Winston-Salem provides education, wellness options, peer support, and other
services for those suffering from depression and bipolar disorder.

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Mental Health Association of Forsyth County, North Carolina

1509 S. Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone: (336) 768-3380
Contact email: info@triadmentalhealth.org
Website: http://triadmentalhealth.org/
The MHA of Forsyth County provides support services for the community, funds for
those who receive Social Security Disability and/or Supplementary Security Income,
family support services, information on mental health, referrals for mental health
professionals and support groups.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Carolina

309 W Millbrook Rd Ste 121, Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: (919) 788-0801
Helpline: 1-800 451-9682
Fax: (919) 788-0906
Contact email: mail@naminc.org
Website: http://naminc.org/
NW Piedmont (including Forsyth County):
http://naminc.org/new-affiliate/listings/forsyth/
NAMI is an organization that provides support, education, and advocacy related to
mental health throughout the country. There is also a specific North Carolina branch and
a specific branch for the NW Piedmont area of North Carolina including Davie, Forsyth,
and Stokes counties.

NC Health Info Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder & Depression

Website: http://www.nchealthinfo.org/health-topics/anxiety-bipolar-disorder-depression
Contains both national and North Carolina specific resources and information for bipolar
disorder, including helpful mobile apps and tools.
Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center

Contact email: contactus@ssdrc.com

Website: http://www.ssdrc.com/
Getting Approved for Mental Disability Benefits in NC Website:
http://www.ssdrc.com/state-north-carolina-nc-9.html
The SSDRC provides information on how best to receive social security benefits for a
variety of issues, but also specifically for mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. The
site is free and run by a former DDS Claims Examiner in North Carolina.

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Treatment Centers
Mood Treatment Center
1615 Polo Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
1901 Adams Farm Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27407
Phone: (336) 722-7266
Fax: (336) 201-0538
Contact email: frontdesk@moodtreatmentcenter.com
Website: http://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/
The Mood Treatment Center provides a variety of treatments including, but not limited
to, counseling, medication, and natural therapies for mood, anxiety, eating, and other
mental health disorders.
o Ages: 14+ for medication, 6+ for counseling
o Insurance includes: Aetna, BlueCross-BlueShield, Cigna, Medcost, CBHA,
United, Primary Physician Care, Conoco
o Costs: Costs are dependent on what is covered by Insurance, although Insurance
is not required for service. Costs of non-clinical services vary.
Tree of Life Counseling
1821 Lendew St, Greensboro, NC 27408
Phone: (336) 288-9190
Fax: (336) 450-4318
Contact email: info@tlc-counseling.com
Website: http://tlc-counseling.com/
Tree of Life Counseling provides a vast range of outpatient treatments for bipolar
disorder and other mental health disorders.
o Ages: 6+
o Insurance includes: Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross-BlueShield, CBHA, Cigna,
ComPsych, Health Net, Humana, LifeSynch, MHN, MedCost, Medicare, Military
OneSource, Optum, Primary Physician Care, PacifiCare, TRICARE, UMR,
United, and ValueOptions
o Costs:
Initial Session: $160
Ongoing Therapy Sessions: $120 for 45 min, $150 for 60 min
Family/Couples Therapy Sessions: $140 for 50 min and $170 for 90 min