An intro to bp would be nice. Something that tells the difference between bp 1 and 2.

Tell people to be polite.

Don't forget cyclothymia.

Suicide alert report function?

yeah, here's one thing that's different. The BP group has some bad apples whereas I belong to other groups, such as the sexual abuse group and the PTSD group where EVERYONE is supportive....nobody over there will go into your private journal and tear you apart. But over here they will.

This group requires more tolerance than most. We tend to fly off in all directions. A sticky thread at the top for emergency posts would be a good idea I think.

bmp

we need a crisis board like the depression group has.

Make at least one friend you feel comfortable enough with to share your phone number with. They day may come when you need help and that friend could save your life with just a phone call. DS is an anonymous themed web site and contact info is not available should you get in trouble.

And let a family member or friend know about your account so if you go to the hosp you can keep your DS friends updated on how you are doing they do care and will always rally to support you.

In addition to setting up the crisis board (it's on my list to press DS on our saturday call) my suggestion is to create a landing pad which gives people the essentials in one go. That means lots of links because when you first arrive it takes a while to navigate to things..but you don't want a huge mass of text either,

1. Bipolar 101? Basics on BP, the types, a summary of treatment (e.g what mood stabilizers do) with links to the treatment board and the list of bipolar treatments.

2. Suicidal? links advice page within DS (it has all the hotlines etc). Link to the crisis board, advice on having buddies, links to "My story..why I'm glad I didn't commit suicide" (idea from Lou2)

3. A guide to the community..what the different boards are, tips on where to post, link to rules of the road highlight any particular community bugbears (e.g if you want to survey us please contact DS admin AND one of the CLs), who the CLs are, I'm also pushing for a CL page on DS..shows all CLs by community and all those that are online.( As the fastest way of communicating with DS Managment regarding suicides, major trolls etc is via the CLs hotline it follows that if the Bipolar CLs are all in the hot tub you need to get another CL)

4. Managing Bipolar - longer term idea..something that pulls together in a general sense things people can do apart from meds. Partly for our existing members but also so that newly diagnosed don't think their life is over.

that's my 5 mins thinking for the day over.

Please stress that this group is for people who suffer from the disorder and make it known that there are groups for people who are trying to help a family member or friend.

ok, excellent point..people look under "B" for Bipolar not "F" for Friends and Families. I see about 20% new joiners are actually F&Fs..I tell them about that community when I do the hug. Also we have bipolar teens

There needs to be a separation between the teen group and the adult group. I am a child therapist and a father, and I do not think allowing teens into the adult site and visa versa is a good thing, nor is it supportive.

hi, there is a bipolar teens community, it is seperate butI know we get teens here.

DS tends to have an open door policy, ie anyone can join bipolar (and they do) and post. When I greet teens that join BP I tell them about the teen group, but expect some who are 17-18 might prefer to be here. I agree there would be more of an issue the other way around, if I for example was a member of Bipolar teens.

But I agree, we need to sign post the related boards.

To be able to put a playlist on our profiles would be awesome cuz music always puts people in a good mood if its pumping lol

the music would be a fun idea kinda like pictures for those of us that dont post pics it would add some insight into a persons style

It sure would. Music is one of the things that help me when i'm going through bad times. And it also helps me when i'm going through good times to help me stay that way. It would be fun to see what types of music others like as well.