A bipolar chat room is primarily created as an extended support group for people suffering from or diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Moderators in this group are usually volunteers. Majority of them are either former bipolar patients or individuals that are undergoing bipolar treatments and medications.

Other things you can expect to find in a bipolar chat room are schedules of moderated chats and topics related to manic depression issues. However, some chat rooms go beyond online meet ups and set physical meet ups in coffee shops in their respective areas.

Potential Benefits

The intention of a bipolar chat room is always to accommodate those bipolar people who are in need of additional help, with the hope the process will eventually lead to effective treatment. The benefits that you can get from the chat room are as follows:

* You have the opportunity to meet other people who are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At this point, you will have a chance to share your experiences with them as they are expected to do the same. The sharing should help a bipolar patient cope with the problem because you are expected to understand the symptoms better from another bipolar patient's perspective.

* People will have the chance to ask questions and answer some as well. This is a given since a bipolar chat room is designed for the purpose of open discussions. However, not all questions are answered and not all discussions are being moderated.

* There is the assumption that you can make friends that have a better understanding of your situation. Since you all speak in bipolar lingo, it follows that discussions are aligned in that direction. This exchange of thoughts and emotions become a new outlet of hope among bipolar disorder people.

* The bipolar chat room supports this community 24 hours a day. Again this is a given since discussions are conducted through the internet. Some chat rooms even have moderators scheduled at certain times of the day or week. This is to help facilitate certain topics that may have sensitive bipolar issues.

Possible Disadvantages

The problem comes when users abuse the bipolar chat room, using it as an alternative avenue for mischief and pranks. This can be expected considering that the majority of the chatters are bipolar patients themselves. Mood swings can apparently be felt in this virtual room. Here are the disadvantages:

* Most of these chat rooms are supported by volunteers only. Since there may be no medical professionals, nobody can lead the discussions.

* There is great difficulty in staying on the topic. Serious and sensitive issues are expected. Topics like suicide and other deep depressive subjects make it impossible to keep a safe online atmosphere.

Remember that mood swings are strong in this group. If managing one bipolar patient is difficult, just imagine how that challenge is multiplied in a bipolar chat room, where the majority of participants are bipolar-diagnosed. Some chat rooms have closed due to this type of problem.

Making The Decision

Weigh the possible benefits as explained above against the potential disadvantages before making your decision. Better yet, discuss this with trusted friends and family members and even more importantly, talk to your health care provider.