.@lancsspectrum from @SpectrumCentre begins today's #TalkBD Live by speaking about how to know when substance use may be a problematic issue that requires some attention @CREST_BD
people with #bipolardisorder use substances for the same reasons as people in the general population do - to relax, to cope, to calm down #TalkBD @lancsspectrum
.@Victoria_BPP notes, however, that people with #bipolardisorder may also be using substances to regain or maintain elevated mood states - she views food a "substance" too #TalkBD
.@lancsspectrum - self-compassion about substance use (in yourself, and others) is vital. @Victoria_BPP agrees, also helped for her to recognise that her substance use was a mechanism for self-soothing #TalkBD @CREST_BD @SpectrumCentre @IntlBipolar
.@lancsspectrum & @Victoria_BPP - suggest reflecting on what your substance use is giving you, and if it's problematic, look to alternative activities that can give you joy, meaning, mastery & pleasure #TalkBD
and if achieving periods of "joy" seems unrealistic or unachievable for you right now, finding periods of reprieve (from depression) is a valuable move in the right direction! @Victoria_BPP #TalkBD @BipolarUK
a range of online support groups are being recommended in this #TalkBD session, to start: @DBSAlliance in the US, @BipolarUK in the UK, the Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders (OBAD) in Canada obad.ca @CREST_BD
attendees are asking in the Q&A moderated by @morton_emm about how to handle some of the specific triggers for substance use during #COVID19 - online happy hours, living with family members who are drinking, for example #TalkBD
and finally moving into some resources from the #TalkBD event. @CREST_BD blogged recently on cannabis use: crestbd.ca/2020/04/20/bip…
Information about Canadians' drinking levels in the general population during #Covid_19 ccsa.ca/canadians-unde…
If you are a relative or friend supporting someone experiencing difficulties linked with psychosis or #bipolar disorder, you may find @SpectrumCentre's REACT toolkit helpful: reacttoolkit.uk #TalkBD
and finally the @CREST_BD Bipolar Wellness Centre bdwellness.com and Quality of Life tool bdqol.com #TalkBD
over and out from me! Thanks to our #TalkBD presenters @lancsspectrum @Victoria_BPP and @morton_emm - lovely job! 👌
