Hello and welcome to the Australian Bipolar Schizoaffective Support Network (ABSSN)! 

The aim of ABSSN is to provide a free, safe and supportive place for those of us who are bipolar or schizoaffective.   The symbol for ABSSN is the magnolia flower, which represents dignity and perseverance and the group was started as an expansion of the online Aussie Bipolar’s group, which began on myspace in November 2006. 

 THE ABSSN WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF BEING UPDATED!

If anybody would like to contribute to the website (articles, blogs etc) then please email me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I am also open to suggetsions on how to improve the site, so any feedback would also be helpful!

If you would like to assist by making a donation to help us keep this site up and running you can do so through paypal and the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , any contributions are very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Bec

CHAT ROOMS:

 Our ABSSN chat rooms are currently being staffed from 7pm-10pm (eastern time) on Monday and Wednesday nights.  So please drop in and have a chat with us :)

ABSSN proudly supports the following websites and groups:

Inspired Recovery

Melbourne Bipolar Network

Bipolar and Mental Health Advocacy Group Australia

Wayne Jaye Photography

Wayne Jaye is an incredibly talented photographer, who also advocates for mental illness (see above link).

Have a look at his absolutely amazing work here (and be sure to appreciate the website too, since he is multi-talented and did that too and it looks absolutely fantastic!):

http://www.waynejaye.com.au/

*note: please be warned that he is SO amazingly talented you may end up feeling bad about the fact that your website is crap compared to his.  you may also end up spending hours looking at all the pretty photos and playing with the "zip" links and swapping screens just to see if you can "catch" the static.... but that could just be me.... ;)

Looking for Volunteers for Bipolar Study in Victoria!!

Yeow May Tan, from Monash University, is currently looking for volunteers to participate in a study that explores the role of places and environments in recovery.

Volunteers should be aged between 18 to 50 years old, who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and in recovery for the last 5 years.

As a participant of this study, you would be asked to attend two interview sessions, each lasting around 30-60 minutes, and complete a simple photo-taking task.  You will be asked to take these photos of places and people that symbolise recovery for you and then talk about these photos.  In appreciation for your time, you will be able to keep the photographs that you have taken.

For more information or to volunteer for this study, please contact:

Yeow May Tan

School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University

ORDER YOUR COPY OF INSPIRED RECOVERY TODAY!

It is a sad fact that many of the millions of individuals living with Bipolar, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia suffer in silence.  Inspired is the first book in a compelling series from Sonya Melbourne, bravely exploring bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder through a compilation of true stories, telling of individual triumph of the numerous survivors who have overcome the limitations of their illnesses to live their best lives and achieve their dreams. Inspired is a deeply moving collection that bears testimony to the human spirit. No matter how hard or high the mountain is to climb, it can be done! This is one of the truly important books of our time with the potential to bring hope, peace and inspiration to millions.

ABSSN is proud to support and be a part of this project and encourages you to purchase a copy once released; proceeds will go to SANE and part will be put towards starting an ABSSN trust so we can be one step closer to turning this group and site into a mental health foundation we can all be proud of and one that will continue to provide free support and resources for all those who are diagnosed with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder.Once Inspired is released, ABSSN will be providing a link where you can purchase this motivational piece. 

 OTHER NEWS

I am currently looking for people to assist in moderating the forums.  I am also looking for writers who would like to contribute to the site.  If you are interested in doing this then please email me or send me a message on the forum for a moderator request (username is becness).

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If you have any enquiries, feedback or would be interesting in attending or running a support group meeting then please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thank you for being part of ABSSN,

Bec    

SIGN PETITION TO IMPROVE

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

IN AUSTRALIA

IMPORTANT:ABSSN IS A SUPPORT NETWORK HOWEVER WE DO NOT REPLACE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM AND CANNOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR A PERSONS ACTIONS. ABSSN AND ITS USERS MAY NOT BE MENTAL HEALTH OR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. THE OPINIONS OF USERS ARE THEIRS ALONE AND ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ABSSN.IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL OR FEEL YOU MAY HARM YOURSELF IN ANY WAY THEN GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY OR CALL LIFELINE ON 13 11 14.