A Guide to the Crisis Lines, Support Groups, Apps, Books, and Organizations That Can Make a Difference — From Someone Who Learned About Them the Hard Way

By Alex Rowan

—When a manic episode hits for the first time, most people have no idea where to turn. The diagnosis is new. The overconfidence often represses the fear. But if you can sense something is off and have motivation to figure out what is going on, there are resources that can help.

This guide exists so that the next person doesn’t have to search in the dark. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you’re supporting a loved one through their first episode, or you’ve been living with this condition for years and want a single reference page, this is every bipolar and mania resource worth knowing about — organized by what you actually need, when you need it.

Crisis Resources — When You Need Help Right Now

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.

For mental health crises that don’t require emergency services, these resources are available 24/7.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 — connects you with trained crisis counselors around the clock. T

he SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 provides free referrals and information in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day.

The Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 — offers text-based crisis support for those who prefer not to call.

For families, the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) offers guidance on navigating the mental health system, finding local resources, and understanding treatment options. It operates Monday through Friday, 10am–10pm ET.

Support Groups and Peer Communities

Isolation is one of the most dangerous aspects of bipolar disorder. Peer support — talking to people who have actually lived through what you’re experiencing — is one of the most effective tools for long-term stability. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) runs peer-led support groups across the country, both in person and online. Their family groups are equally valuable for spouses, parents, and siblings trying to understand what their loved one is going through.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, eight-session educational program for families, partners, and friends of people living with mental health conditions. It covers diagnosis, treatment, communication, and self-care — and it’s taught by trained family members who have been there. Families for Depression Awareness offers additional family-focused resources and education programs.

Online communities can also provide daily support between appointments. bpHope is a well-moderated online community and magazine specifically for people living with bipolar disorder. The subreddits r/bipolar and r/BipolarReddit offer anonymous peer discussion, though — as with any online forum — information should be verified with a clinician.

Apps for Mood Tracking and Stability

Daily mood tracking is one of the most effective self-management tools for bipolar disorder — it helps you and your treatment team spot patterns and catch mania triggers early.

• Daylio offers a simple, visual mood and activity tracker with no writing required.

• eMoods was designed specifically for bipolar disorder, tracking mood, sleep, medication, and irritability on a daily chart.

• MoodFit combines mood tracking with CBT-based tools and wellness exercises.

Financial and Legal Protection

Manic spending can cause devastating financial damage. Resources for protection include setting up a limited power of attorney for financial emergencies, establishing credit freezes through the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), and creating a psychiatric advance directive that addresses financial decision-making. Practical strategies for reducing impulsive spending during mania can also serve as a first line of defense.

Worth Reading

Several books stand out for people newly navigating bipolar disorder. An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison remains the definitive memoir of living with bipolar I — written by a clinical psychologist who has the condition herself. The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David Miklowitz is widely recommended by clinicians as a practical handbook for patients and families. Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder by Julie Fast is specifically designed for partners and family members. And Bipolar, Not So Much by Chris Aiken and Jim Phelps is an accessible guide to the bipolar spectrum.

For understanding the science behind mania, Mania Insights covers the latest research, treatment developments, and lived experience — from how lithium works to recognizing early signs of mania.

A note from the author: When my first episode hit, I didn’t know any of these resources existed. I didn’t know there were crisis lines beyond 911. I didn’t know support groups existed for families. I didn’t know there were apps that could have helped me see what was coming. I built this list so that nobody else has to discover these things one emergency at a time.

See recent or related posts:
• How to Support Someone in a Manic Episode
• Your Loved One Is Manic — Here’s Exactly What to Do
• How to Recognize Early Signs of Mania and Take Action
• How to Build a Mania Action Plan Before You Need One
• Bipolar Mania Triggers: A Comprehensive List and How to Manage Them