[Support and Training for Elation and Depression in Youth]

STEADY is a self management training programme created and run by the Manic Depression Fellowship for young people with the mental health diagnosis of bipolar disorder (manic depression) or extreme mood swings.

Self management training is designed to give people diagnosed with bipolar disorder a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the concepts, tools and techniques involved in learning to self manage extreme mood swings.
Research has shown that learning to self manage bipolar disorder (manic depression) is an invaluable part of stabilizing the condition*. It can significantly improve an individual's affective perception of areas such as self-esteem and reduction in suicidal thoughts.

BUT …
In the last six years there has been a significant shift towards diagnosing people at younger age. Yet treatment relies mainly on medication, rather than a combination of techniques.

The STEADY training course aims to give participant new ideas on how to manage their mood swings, and share their experiences with other people of the same age. It has been developed by young people with extreme mood swings most of whom have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Want to find out more?

Visit the Steady web site: www.steady.org.uk

or Contact:

Steady @ MDF
Castle Works
21 St Georges Road
London
SE1 6ES

Phone: 08456 340 546
Email: Steady@mdf.org.uk

* Perry, A., et al (1999) Randomised control-led trial of efficiency of teaching patients with bipolar disorder to identify early symptoms of relapse and obtain treatment. British Medical Journal 318:149-153.
Harris, A., et al (2000) The effectiveness of self-management in bipolar affective disorder.
Patients Network, Autumn 2000