Bipolar
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).
Source: Mayo Clinic
Types of Bipolar
Bipolar (Manic Depression)
Bipolar in Children & Teens
Symptoms
- Depressive Symptoms: Feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, and low self-esteem. Restlessness, irritability. An inability to feel anything at all. Loss of physical energy. Increase or decrease in weight, appetite, and sleep. Thinking or memory impairment. Thoughts of death, suicide or hurting oneself.
- Symptoms of Mania: Decrease needs for sleep. Increase in spending habits and sexual drive. Excessive energy/agitation. Feelings of grandiosity/inflated self-esteem. Poor judgment. Racing thoughts, flight of ideas. Excessive interest of activities. Rapid, unpredictable emotional changes. Extremely talkative/pressured speech. Extreme irritability. Overreaction to stimuli. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors
- Bipolar Disorder affects approximately 2-2.2% in Canada.
- Although a single cause has not been identified, it is known that many factors, including biochemical, genetic and environment play a part in this illness.
- There is growing evidence that heredity is involved, especially in the more recurrent forms of the disorder.
Treatment
Bipolar Disorder is usually treated by a variety of medications, together with supportive psychotherapy. The most common medications are mood stabilizers such as Lithium Carbonate, Tegretol, and Valproic Acid. Medications prescribed for this disorder may also include anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety agents.Since bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, often with widely separated episodes over many years, you may have to take medications for long periods of time.
Symptoms
- An expansive or irritable mood
- Depression
- Rapidly changing moods lasting a few hours to a few days
- Explosive, lengthy, and often destructive rages
- Separation anxiety
- Defiance of authority
- Hyperactivity, agitation, distractibility
- Sleeping little or, alternatively, sleeping too much
- Bed-wetting and night terrors
- Strong and frequent cravings, often for carbohydrates and sweets
- Excessive involvement in multiple projects and activities
- Impaired judgment, impulsivity, racing thoughts, pressure to keep talking
- Dare-devil behaviors
- Inappropriate or precocious sexual behavior
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Grandiose belief in own abilities that defy the laws of logic (Ability to fly, for example)
Individuals may experience variations in symptoms and severity.
Risk Factors
- The illness tends to be highly genetic, but there are clearly environmental factors that influence whether the illness will occur in a particular child. Bipolar disorder can skip generations and take different forms in different individuals.
- For the general population, a conservative estimate of an individual's risk of having full-blown bipolar disorder is 1 percent. Disorders in the bipolar spectrum may affect 4 - 6 %.
- When one parent has bipolar disorder, the risk to each child is 15 to 30%. When both parents have bipolar disorder, the risk increases to 50 to 75%. The risk in siblings and fraternal twins is 15 to 25%.
- The risk in identical twins is approximately 70%.
Treatment
If possible, have a board-certified child psychiatrist diagnose and treat your child. Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, in most cases treatment can stabilize mood and allow for management and control of symptoms. A good treatment plan includes medication, close monitoring of symptoms, education about the illness, counseling, or psychotherapy for the individual and family, stress reduction, good nutrition, regular sleep and exercise, and participation in a network of support. The response to medications and treatment varies. The good news is that with appropriate treatment and support at home and at school, many children with bipolar disorder achieve a marked reduction in the severity, frequency, and duration of episodes of illness.
Men’s Virtual Peer Support Group
Women’s Peer Support
Virtual Friends and Family Support Group
Youth (12-17) Peer Support Group
Winnipeg – Senior’s Tea & Tales
Mixed Coffee and Chat
Mixed Bipolar Peer Support Group
Mixed Depression & Anxiety
Wellness Peer Support Group
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Support Group
Selkirk – Tea & Tales
Young Adult Peer Support Group
Men’s In-Person Peer Support Group
Game Night
Brandon Rotary Villas – Tea & Tales
Minnedosa- Tea & Tales
M.A.D. Mondays
Boissevain – Tea & Tales
Coffee Talk – Wellness Support Group
Grief & Loss Support Group
Family & Friends Peer Support (Winnipeg)
Erickson – Tea & Tales
Virden – Tea & Tales
One-on-One Chats with the Prairie Mountain Team
Join us every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for a confidential and safe place to talk. Click the link below to join, no registration needed.
This is an open group for anyone who identifies as a man,18+ living in Manitoba.
Our Women’s Peer Support group is for anyone who identifies as a woman. We welcome open, honest, and heartfelt connections and conversations and we aim to provide coping techniques and support for women struggling with their mental health.
Our in-person group typically meets every Thursday from 6:45-7:45 pm at 4 Fort St in Winnipeg, Manitoba. PLEASE NOTE: As of October 14, 2025 this group will be paused, however the existing virtual women’s peer support groups that meets on Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:00 pm, facilitated by Adeline Sul, will continue to meet. To join the virtual meeting, please click on the link below.
This group offers support to friends and family to help them deal with mood disorders diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes them to experience support and connection.
This group meets virtually every Tuesday from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Please click the link below to join, no registration is required.
The school year has started again, and everyone is catching up with old friends– and old enemies. If you’re 12-17 and struggle with mental health issues, we’ve got a group for you! Tuesday evenings 6:00-7:00 pm, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month are online, the rest in person at 204-83 Garry St, Winnipeg. No need to register for in-person, just come as you are and find community with other youths going through similar experiences.
For the virtual group, please email the Youth Program Coordinator (youthprogram@moodmb.ca) and they will send you the Zoom login details.
Having trouble finding the location? You can call the Youth Program Coordinator at (204) 890-4316 and they’ll help you get where you’re going.
*PLEASE NOTE THIS GROUP IS ONLY OFFERED VIRTUALLY AT THIS TIME AS OUR OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO A FACILITIES ISSUE.*
IN PERSON
2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month (Nov 25)
6:00-7:00 PM
Facilitator: Jez Torres
ONLINE
1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each Month (Nov 4 & 18)
6:00-7:00 PM
Facilitator: Jez Torres
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about getting together for an afternoon tea or coffee and a light snack to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics about mental health, or simply to connect with other people in a similar age group!
This group has been meeting regularly for the past two years and is well-established. Members often bring home-baked goods to share, along with various items for our ‘Show & Tell’ segment. After initial introductions/check-in and a short break, the group does a five-minute guided meditation together. The ‘word of the week’, chosen the week before, is usually discussed and a new word is chosen. Lively discussions around group-guided topics often occur. Meetings usually wrap up with a positive affirmation or a quote containing words of wisdom. New members are always welcomed warmly!
Location: This group meets every Tuesday from 1:30 – 3:30 pm at our office at 100-4 Fort Street, Winnipeg.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO AN ONGOING FACILITIES ISSUE, THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY MEETING IN OUR UPSTAIRS MEETING SPACE LOCATED AT 204-83 GARRY STREET UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Effective October 14, 2025*
IN PERSON
Tuesdays
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Facilitator: John, Barb & Pam
Our Mixed Coffee and Chat Group invites the community to come together to talk about anything and everything related to mental health. From discussing life’s challenges to simply shooting the breeze, it is a safe space to find support and resources to help make daily life just that much easier.
This group meets every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm typically at 100-4 Fort Street in Winnipeg. PLEASE NOTE: As of October 14, 2025 this group will be meeting VIRTUALLY due to a facilities issue until further notice. To join the virtual meeting, please click on the link below.
The Mixed Bipolar Peer Support group is open to anyone affected by bipolar disorder, whether directly or indirectly. You don’t need a diagnosis to join, and family, friends, or anyone supporting someone with bipolar disorder are also welcome. It’s a space for support, conversation, and connection.
This group typically meets at our Winnipeg office located at 100-4 Fort Street on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. PLEASE NOTE: As of October 14, 2025 this group will be meeting VIRTUALLY due to a facilities issue until further notice at a new time, from 6:45 – 7:45 pm. To join the virtual meeting, please click on the link below.
Our Mixed Depression & Anxiety group is for anyone dealing with depression or anxiety, whether you’ve been diagnosed or not. Join us for connection, conversation, and support, along with resources to help you on your path to healing.
This group typically meets at our Winnipeg office located at 100-4 Fort Street on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. PLEASE NOTE: As of October 14, 2025 this group will be meeting VIRTUALLY due to a facilities issue until further notice. To join the virtual meeting, please click on the link below.
This is an online mixed group that focuses on wellness topics, addressing all mood disorders, diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes everyone to experience an evening of support and connection.
Let’s Talk Wellness 💬✨
Take a step toward better mental health and join our Wellness Peer Support Group! Share your story, gain support, and build connections in a judgment-free space.
🗓 Mondays
🕕 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Virtual We’re here for you—call/text 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca to register. Let’s thrive together!
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays. This group meets every Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
ONLINE
Every Monday
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Facilitator: PMH Team
A community of women who care about each other and who welcome open, honest, heartfelt connections and conversations. Come join a sacred space of nonjudgmental & confidential sharing.
📅 When: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Now HYBRID – join us in person at our Brandon office, located at 1003 13th Street, or virtually!
Connect, share, and support one another in a safe and welcoming space. Whether you prefer the comfort of home or joining us in person, we’re here for you!
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays.
IN PERSON
Tuesday (In-Person/Virtual)
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Bethany
Looking for a space to connect, share, and engage with other men in Brandon? Join our Men’s Support Group for monthly sessions focused on support, camaraderie, and wellness.
This group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month typically. Due to Remembrance Day and our office being closed in honour of it, this group is meeting on Wednesday, November 13th instead from 6:30 – 7:30 pm in person at the MDAM office in Brandon. (No charge for this group.)
For further information, please contact the Brandon office by emailing or calling/texting:
adassist@moodmb.ca
(204) 721-2174
IN PERSON
Nov 13, 2025
6:30-7:30 pm
Facilitator: Brandon MDAM Team
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for an afternoon tea or coffee to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics about mental health, or simply to connect with other people in a similar age group!
Location: The Gordon Howard Centre, 384 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB. This group meets every Thursday from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Light refreshments and snacks are provided.
No registration required.
IN PERSON
Every Thursday
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Facilitator: Susan
It can be a strange time, transitioning to being considered a proper adult. If you’re between 18 – 28 and having a hard time navigating this period, come join our peer support group: Monday evenings 7:30-8:30; 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month are online, the rest in person at 204-83 Garry St, Winnipeg . No registration required, come and meet your people (and maybe figure this adulting thing out)!
Having trouble finding the location? You can call the Youth Program Coordinator at (204) 890-4316 and they’ll help you get where you’re going.
*PLEASE NOTE THIS GROUP IS ONLY OFFERED VIRTUALLY AT THIS TIME AS OUR OFFICE REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO A FACILITIES ISSUE. Our office will be closed on November 11th in honour of Remembrance Day, therefore there will be no regularly scheduled group on that day.*
IN PERSON
Every 2nd & 4th Monday (Nov 25)
7:30-8:30pm
Facilitator: Jez Torres
ONLINE
Every 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday (Nov 4 & 18)
7:30-8:30pm
Facilitator: Jez Torres
LAUNCH ONLINE MEETING
Join us every week for a confidential and safe place to talk. This is an open group for anyone who identifies as a man,18+ living in Manitoba.
This group meets every Monday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at 100-4 Fort Street in Winnipeg.
This group is co-facilitated with Peer Connections Manitoba.
IN PERSON
Monday
5:30 - 6:30 pm at 4 Fort Street
Facilitator: Matthew C., Shawn D., and Daniel
Dive into the magic of Friday nights at MDAM – it’s Game Night!
Every Friday night, MDAM opens its doors at 6:00 pm at 100-4 Fort Street in Winnipeg for a good old-fashioned games night. *PLEASE NOTE: Due to an ongoing facilities issue, game night is being hosted in our upstairs meeting space located at 204-83 Garry Street, effective October 14, 2025 until further notice.
Game play kicks off at 6:00 pm, carrying the excitement through until 10:00 pm. Bring along a buddy or make some new friends as we gather to play an array of games – dice, cards, and board games galore!
But here’s the deal: At MDAM, we’re all about good vibes and creating a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. Unsportsmanlike conduct or a negative attitude won’t fly here. If such behavior is observed, we’ll kindly ask you to leave. So bring your best attitude, a zest for fun, and let’s create unforgettable moments together! Join us for a night of games, giggles, and good times!
Thank you to McNally Robinson Booksellers, Across the Board Game Cafe, Victory Pints and Toad Hall Toys for their generous donation of board games. Big thank you also to our members who have donated games – Stephanie, Penny and Shawn.
Learn more about Game Night and view photos from our First Annual Farkle Tournament held in December 2024.
IN PERSON
Friday Nights
Doors open 6:00 pm, Game play 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Facilitator: Jez, John, Barb & Pam
Join us for Tea and Tales at Rotary Villas! This weekly support group offers a warm, welcoming space for seniors to connect, share stories, and support one another.
The group meets every Friday from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Rotary Villas, 1340 10 St., Brandon, MB.
To join or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or (204) 721-2174.
IN PERSON
Every Friday
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Join us for Tea and Tales in Minnedosa! This weekly support group is a safe space for seniors to share stories, connect, and find support for the unique challenges they face. Come for the tea, stay for the tales, and leave with a sense of community.
Calling All Seniors for Tea & Tales at the Minnedosa 50+ Activity Centre!
Location: 31 Main St S, Minnedosa, MB
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Dates: Every Wednesday
MDAM Prairie Mountain has partnered with the Minnedosa 50+ Activity Centre to offer a safe and confidential space for folks to come together! Looking to connect with others in your community? Then come join us for a morning of refreshments to connect, exchange stories and discuss a wide range of mental health topics.
For more information, please call Lora: (431) 866-4234 or (204) 721-2174.
IN PERSON
Every Wednesday
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Music, Art, Dance, and Drama
This group meets every Monday from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 204 – 83 Garry Street in Winnipeg. It’s a safe space for youth aged 12-17 to meet after school and learn about mental wellness as well as to listen to/play music, create art, dance, drama. Snacks and light refreshments are provided.
Where: 204 – 83 Garry Street in Winnipeg
E-mail: youthprogram@moodmb.ca
Phone: 204-890-4316
Pre-registration required! Please click here to complete our online registration form.
IN PERSON
Mondays
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Facilitator: Jez Torres
We’re excited to continue our Tea and Tales Support Group in Boissevain! Join us for a morning of connection, conversation, and support as we share stories and navigate life’s challenges together.
📅 When: First Tuesday of the Month – November 4th
📍 Where: Cherry Creek Place
⏰ Time: 10:00AM to 11:00AM
This group focuses on seniors and their unique struggles, but all are welcome! Let’s come together, one story at a time.
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
IN PERSON
1st Tuesday of the Month (Nov 4)
10:00 - 11:00 am
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Take a moment for yourself and join us for Coffee Talk in our new Brandon office! This new group is all about fostering wellness, sharing experiences, and simply enjoying great company.
📅 When: Every Thursday
📍 Where: Brandon Office Support Space, 1003 13th Street, Unit B Brandon, MB R7A 4E9
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sit, sip, and connect in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to see you there!
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
IN PERSON
Every Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Lora Hay
This group is dedicated to individuals processing any type of grief at any point in their lives. We understand it can be a very complicated process that people shouldn’t have to experience alone.
This group meets every Tuesday from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at 4 Fort Street and is free to join. It is co-facilitated with Peer Connections and now meets in-person weekly (formerly alternated between in-person and virtual.)
IN PERSON
Every Tuesday
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Peer Connections / MDAM
Seeking a confidential and caring space to connect with other family members/friends who understand your experiences? Join our group every Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 pm for a supportive and inclusive gathering. This group alternates between in-person and virtual sessions and is co-facilitated with Peer Connections Manitoba.
For virtual meetings, please click the link below to join the meeting on Zoom (Meeting ID: 896 7025 4257 / Passcode: 370727). Alternatively, you can also join this meeting by visiting the Online Program Calendar section of the Peer Connections website.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
IN PERSON
Nov 13 & 27, 2025
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Facilitator: MDAM / Peer Connections Manitoba
☕Tea and Tales Erickson!!☕
We are very excited to bring Tea and Tales to Erickson!
Looking for connection, conversation, and a warm cup of tea?
Join us for Tea and Tales, a brand new wellness group in Erickson! Come sip some tea, enjoy a few snacks, and be part of a welcoming community where stories are shared and friendships grow. 🌿✨
📍 Erickson Drop-In Centre – 31 Main Street, Erickson
🗓️Every Wednesday
⏰ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
No registration needed — just drop in!
Let’s build community, one cup at a time. 💬💚
IN PERSON
Wednesdays
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
☕Tea and Tales Virden!!☕
We are very excited to bring Tea and Tales to Virden!
Looking for connection, conversation, and a warm cup of tea?
Join us for Tea and Tales in Virden! Come sip some tea, enjoy a few snacks, and be part of a welcoming community where stories are shared and friendships grow. 🌿✨
📍 Where: Borders Regional Library, 312-7th Avenue
🗓️When: 2nd Thursday of the Month
⏰ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
No registration needed — just drop in!
Let’s build community, one cup at a time. 💬💚
IN PERSON
Nov 13, 2025
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Introducing One-on-One Chats with the Prairie Mountain Team, offered through our office located in Brandon.
We’re excited to launch this new One-on-One Chat service in the Prairie Mountain region. Sometimes all you need is a few minutes to connect with someone who understands.
These are short 10–15 minute one-on-one check-ins with one of our amazing Peer Support Workers.
When: Currently offered on Mondays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Online through Zoom – Join us by clicking the Launch Meeting button
Confidentiality matters. Everything shared is private, and no one else can see that you’ve joined.
Whether you want to share what’s on your mind, check in about your week, or just need someone to listen—we’re here for you.