Resources
Resources
Of all the things we have learned along the way, the greatest comfort comes in the fact that there is strength in numbers. As we started this journey, there were few other souls that we met who could understand what we were going though. But slowly we discovered other families who are dealing with many of the same issues.
In an effort to share as much information as possible, we have established this Resources page to help others in their journey. Think of it as a trail of digital pebbles, allowing others for follow our footsetps or blaze a new trail, boldly marked so that others may follow.
Eventually, we will connect the blogs in a "webring" of connected sites, each offering a different voice and viewpoint of this complicated issue.
Website Links
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation: A powerful advocacy group that improves the lives of families raising children and teens living with bipolar disorder and related conditions through education, support groups, and political pressure. They have a ton of resources and are not just limited to child bipolar.
The Online Child Mental Illness Parental Support Network, created by Michael Schofield & Tony Dinkel (father of a child with Asperger's Syndrome), exists to provide a social support network for parents raising severely autistic and/or mentally ill children. Whether your child has been diagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis NOS, or a Spectrum disorder, we do not discriminate. All are welcome. Currently we have members from all across the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is my hope that eventually we will have enough members so that one day there will be another parent with a mentally ill child close to you who you can turn to for support and assistance (and vice versa). For now, come share your story with others who know exactly what you are going through. You don't have to be alone with this anymore. Since this group is unmoderated, it is a closed, non-public site open only to members. Click this link to request membership.
The Online Adult Mental Illness Support Network, a sister private group created to offer support and connection between adults living with mental illness. This is a brand new group and is still in its early stages, so please join and share. Like the Child Mental Illness Group above, this group is unmoderated, non-public, and open only to members to protect member privacy.
The Jani Foundation: The Jani Foundation (formally the Village Project) is a place for people to share their stories of living with a loved one, or having loved someone, with a severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, bipolar, and Austism/Asperger's Spectrum. The Jani Foundation does not discriminate. Everyone whose lives are touched by mental illness are welcome. Over the next few months, Susan and I, parents of Jani, diagnosed with child onset schizophrenia, will be working on establishing The Jani Foundation as a 501 (c)3 non-profit. Our goals will be to provide real in-home support to families with mentally ill loved ones via trained staff, financial support for families unable to work, legal support for mentally ill family members charged with crimes, as well as legal assistance in dealing with social services and school systems. Next, The Jani Foundation will found a day school/animal therapy center for mentally ill children. Our ultimate goal is the creation of an actual "Village" itself, where families can live with their mentally ill children while receiving 24/7 psychiatric and psychological support. Here at The Jani Foundation, our goal is to provide supportive assistance to help families with a mentally ill/autistic child stay together as a family unit.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the umbrella organization and the political heavy-hitters. Beyond educating the public and those living with mental illness, they also provide legal and educational information.
Ask a Bipolar allows others - the sick, caregivers (parents especially), curious, family - a chance to ask about the experience of living with mental illness in an anonymous way (not just BP, as I have Schizoaffective Disorder and....many others). We also post other experiences.
Personal Blogs
Jani's Journey or January First (prior to March 2010)
The Mindstorm: Raising a Mentally Ill Child
"Cuz I Can Fly!: A Girl's Travels Through Psychosis
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written by Eri (14), April 01, 2010
Thank You,
Eri
Note from Michael: I added your blog to my "resources" page, Eri. Pass on my best to Jennifer. I know you are on her blog a lot as well.
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written by Eri (14), August 02, 2010
I hate to ask for things like this; but I feel what Marybetth and I am doing is important, and I need your help with it. Recently, I co-started a site, Called Ask A Bipolar, with another person who has experienced mental illness. It allows others - the sick, caregivers (parents especially), curious, family - a chance to ask about the experience of living with mental illness in an anonymous way (not just BP, as I have Schizoaffective Disorder and....many others). We also post other experiences. I have my voice,a nd your honesty about your family was a big part of that.
http://askabipolar.com/
Thank you, and I hope you don't mind linking our site.
Note from Michael: Will put it up as soon as I can.
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written by Gordon, August 27, 2010
Note from Michael: What is in the article? The link seemed to be in Spanish and couldn't find anything related to schizophrenia.
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Note from Michael: Thanks for letting me know, Tamara. I fixed the link. Jennifer's blog is now listed under its actual title "More than Words."