Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’. As the older name suggests, someone with bipolar disorder will have severe mood swings.
About 1 in every 100 adults has bipolar disorder at some point in their life.
Below you’ll find links to support locally and at the end of the phone. For online information see the links down the left hand side of the page.
Local support
If you need emotional advice and support you can talk to your GP. If you require longer term assistance, ask your doctor about referring you to a counsellor. The following organisations can also help:
Bipolar Fellowship Scotland
Operates a self-help group in Giffnock. This group is open to people living in East Renfrewshire and the Southside of Glasgow who have been affected by bipolar disorder and their carers. For more information contact
Tel: 0141 560 2050
Causeway One Stop Shop
Causeway offer support and services to people experiencing mental health problems. You can get in touch with Causeway yourself and do not need to have a diagnosis from your GP. Causeway services can be tailored to your needs and include one to one work and groups.
Email: admin@causeway-ramh.org
Tel: 0141 577 5557
Drop-in resource centre: 112b Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6EG.
Opening hours: Mon–Thurs, 9am–5 pm, Fri 9am–4pm
Phone support
It is good to talk to someone if you’re feeling low. To find out more information, view the website that accompanies these helplines by clicking on the organisation’s name.
Depression Alliance Scotland 0845 123 23 20
low rate, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am–2pm
Provides information, support and understanding on depression and campaigns to raise awareness about the realities of depression in Scotland.
Email: info@dascot.org
SANEline 0845 767 8000
low rate, daily, 1pm–11pm
A confidential telephone helpline, offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.
Email: sanemail@sane.org.uk
Samaritans 08457 90 9090
low rate, 24 hrs
Textphone: 08457 90 91 92
Confidential, non-judgemental emotional advice for people experiencing the feeling of distress or despair, including suicidal feelings
Email: jo@samaritans.org
