Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is actually a condition in  which there is a disorder of mood, with the mood swinging from very low (depression) to very high (mania), thus it's previous name of manic depression. People also have periods of stable moods between these episodes. Often people describe this as feeling like they are on a rollercoaster, however with treatment life can be full & promising again. Bipolar is generally categorised into three main sections, Bipolar 1, full episodes of both mania & depression, Bipolar II, episodes of hypermania & depression & Bipolar NOR, which is bipolar not otherwise specified, which covers mixed episodes & rapid cycling.

Why the change from "Manic Depression" to "Bipolar"? Many people assumed the manic was a shortened form of maniac, thus giving people with this condition a real stigma & isolation, by renaming it Bipolar it has allowed us to educate people that it is exactly that, a swing from one pole to the other, thus two poles, i.e." Bipolar".

Even Keel offers support through a network of support groups in  Western Australia for people diagnosed with Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), depression, schizophrenia and related disorders. Family, friends and other interested members of the community are welcome to attend our groups, including our online forum. We also have a library & resource centre. Our group coordinators are caring, supportive and empathic; with many of our employees having a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder themselves.

FAQ

Our Mission:

Our aim at Even Keel is to offer friendship, understanding, information and a sense of hope to people living with Bipolar Disorder or related disorders. Also to educate people & thus remove the stigma associated with mental illness. We also welcome family, friends and other interested community members.

Welcome to this site. Please step in and have a look around. We hope that you enjoy the site and find some valuable information. If you would like to become a member of Even Keel please download a copy of our brochure to find out how. By becoming a member you get support for yourself & also support us in our efforts to help others. You will receive an introductory kit & also a three monthly newsletter. We are also available Fri 9.30-4pm for you to discuss any issues you may have or to access our Library & recourse centre.

 

Profile:

Even Keel has been operating now for twenty three years. Thank you to the founding committee members who have continued to support and operate Even Keel for the last twenty three years. We would also like to thank all our members who are all a valuable part of our service.

Here are a few comments from our members:
"...what I like most about the support groups is being able to discuss the issues that are most import to me..."
"...I have found so many useful and entertaining books and videos in the library..."