Lithium and other mood stabilisers

Explains how lithium and other mood stabilising drugs work, how they might help you, whether to take them if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and what alternative treatments are available.

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Useful contacts

Mind's services

Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)

app-network.org
Information and support for anyone affected by postpartum psychosis.

Bipolar UK

bipolaruk.org
Information and support for people affected by bipolar disorder, hypomania and mania. Offers a telephone peer support line, an online peer support community, and local support groups across the country.

The Breastfeeding Network

0300 100 0212
breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
Support and information about breastfeeding and perinatal mental health.

In-FACT (Independent Fetal Anti Convulsant Trust)

infactuk.com
Support for people affected by anticonvulsant medication in pregnancy.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

mhra.gov.uk
Regulates medicines in the UK and runs the Yellow Card scheme for reporting side effects.

Mood Diaries

emoodtracker.com
moodpanda.com
Some examples of mood diaries – many more are available. Mind doesn't endorse any particular one.

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

0300 330 0700
nct.org.uk
Provides information, support and classes for parents.

Netmums

netmums.com
Online community for parents, which also facilitates local meet-ups.

Organisation for Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (OACS)

07904 200364
oacscharity.org
Supports people affected by fetal anticonvulsant syndrome.

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This information was published in June 2020. We will revise it in 2023.

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