SMTP

The Self-Management Training Programme (SMTP) is built on the following key principle:

People with manic depression can become experts on their own mental health.

The aim is to enable participants to develop new strategies, monitor mood states, link thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and develop alertness to mood variations. We know from current research that by identifying triggers and warning signs forward planning becomes not just a possibility, but a powerful mechanism for controlling mood swings and improving quality of life.

The SMTP is user led. Facilitators who have a diagnosis of manic depression/ bi-polar affective disorder and who are themselves effective self-managers, deliver the Programme. Facilitators act as role models for participants, demonstrating and sharing their personal experiences and knowledge that has allowed them to gain confidence in taking control of their lives.

MDF'S Self-Management Programme is based on the following:

	Hope: People with MD are not "ill" all of the time. They stay well for long periods of time and are able to do what they want with their lives.
	Personal Responsibility: Self-management is the process of taking control of one's life through acknowledging personal responsibility. Users can become active agents in managing their illness, rather than passive recipients of treatment.
	Self-Advocacy: Belief in oneself, knowing one's rights, getting the facts, expressing oneself clearly and being assertive.
	Education: That people who are better informed are better able to take control of their illness. The need for knowledge is broad, from informing oneself about medication, to looking at lifestyle, careers and leisure activities.

The three main elements of the course include:

	Recognition: Learning when an episode of mania or depression may be approaching.
	Action: knowing how to take action with the aim of preventing a mood swing.
	Maintenance: helping to make future episodes less likely.

SMTP Courses 2003

Please contact us for information of future Self Management courses in Wales.

All course participants must be members of MDF (see the Membership page for more information).

If you are a member and you would like to attend a Self Management Training course you will need to complete an SMTP registration form. Please contact us to request a form.

Self Management Training for Young People

MDF run self management training courses for young people who suffer from manic depression or extreme mood swings. The course is named 'Steady.' (Support and Training for Elation and Depression in Youth).

Click here for more information on this.