'MDF The BiPolar Organisation' is the new name for the national charity the Manic Depression Fellowship.

The Manic Depression Fellowship is a registered charity.
Number: 293340

Southend MDF
The Southend Manic Depression Fellowship Self-help Group

Please click here to e-mail Southend MDF.

Advance directives 3

"I kept it simple to start with. Simply letting others know about just one thing they can do for me should I become unwell again could really help me."

I want to let others know the best way to help me should I become unwell again...

"[Southend MDF]...has been at the forefront of developing examples of advance directives and good practice in their use."

Examples of advance directives
Getting better is about more than just treatment. Telling people how to help you, should you become unwell again, can be of great value.

Advance directives can comprise just one sentence or be more detailed. Below are a couple of examples, one in full, and extracts from another, taken from our notes which are available free of charge from us by e-mail.

Example 1
A short advance directive

Jim Green, freelance researcher for the Mental Health Foundation,
February 2002.

If there is trouble and I have to go to Gorse Common Hospital again the landlord is likely to throw me out of my flat. I will need help with this when I leave hospital again.

It always takes ages to sort out my giros again as well. Can somebody help me with that? Thanks.

Hugh Mann. 6th January 2003

Click here to request a free copy by e-mail of
notes about, and examples of, advance directives by the Southend and Cambridge MDF self-help groups

Example 2
Some extracts from a more detailed advance directive

WHAT I DO WHEN I BECOME HIGH (I would not normally do the things listed below but I may give you a convincing reason when I become high as to why it is reasonable that I am doing these things now. Some of these things may be embarrassing for me to cope with when I become well again.)
MAIN INDICATORS
Lack of sleep. This is the most significant symptom for me. If I do not sleep for one night I may be going high and need your help; if I haven't slept for three nights I am high and you may not be able to catch me to give me help.
I may be into many charity projects or business schemes. They may appear to be, or indeed be, plausible.
I go to church.
(etc…)        …………………………

TREATMENTS (I have indicated below my preferences about treatments. If my condition becomes imminently life threatening I give my permission for you to use whatever treatment is deemed professionally appropriate having consulted with my husband David if possible.)
MOOD STABILISERS
I am happy to take lithium carbonate and carbamazepine. If I have stopped taking these please put me back on them unless there is a physical reason why I should not take them.
(etc…)        …………………………

CONTACTS
CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST
Dr Thoughtful telephone 01234 56789. I respect him and he knows my history. He is my first choice for helping with my treatment. My second choice would be someone recommended by him.
DOCTOR (GP)
My GP Dr Hardwork 01234 111111 knows me but has not seen me when ill. I would be uncertain of his abilities to recognise or treat manic depression.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The following people, AAAA, BBBB, CCCC, Mum, and Dad in law (Telephone numbers ................) know me when I am well and have seen me when I am ill, and in David's absence would be the next best people to consult about my illness and how I am behaving differently from usual. I would like you to consult them if possible in order to help you get a better understanding of me and the way my illness affects me.        …………………………
SIGNED Mrs Tina XXXXXX
APPROVED BY Julia Helpful, CPN Southend
DATE 6th January 2003

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