"Rewriting the Myths, Redefining the Realities"
If you or a significant other in your life has
depression or manic-depression (bipolar disorder) you will want to
know about the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and officially incorporated in
1986 under the name National Depressive and Manic Depressive
Association (National DMDA), DBSA is the largest illness-specific,
patient-directed organization in the country. The name change from
National DMDA to DBSA took place on August 9, 2002.
The mission of DBSA is to “educate patients, families, professionals
and the public concerning the nature of depressive and
manic-depressive illnesses as treatable medical diseases; to foster
self-help for patients and their families; to eliminate
discrimination and stigma; to improve access to care; and to educate
for research toward the elimination of these illnesses.”
DBSA’s focus is on the person living with a mood disorder. They
publish videotapes, books and brochures regarding mood disorders
that are available to the public. They are intended to be easy to
understand and have a message of hope and optimism.
The organization advocates in Washington, D.C. and provides a
network of over 800 patient run support groups across the United
States and Canada. This is important because findings show that
attendees of support groups have fewer hospital stays, lower
insurance costs and improved employee productivity.
Since its inception, DBSA has lead the way in educating the lay
public as well as professionals about depression and
manic-depression and the emerging treatments, medications and new
research. Their impressive 66-member Scientific Review Board (SRB),
comprised of leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood
disorders, is an example of their commitment to stay on the cutting
edge. SRB represents DBSA to the media and reviews all publications
and programs for medical and scientific accuracy.
In Colorado there are DBSA support groups available in five regional
locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Pueblo, and Aurora. To
start a new group or lead a group, one has to be a member of DBSA
but anyone can attend a meeting. Attendees may join at any time.
Leaders generally have educational materials, handouts, information
on other mental health resources, and sometimes a limited lending
library available as well as advocacy/community outreach connections
and contacts.
Colorado DBSA has two main objectives: to provide verbal support and
education to those with depressive illnesses and their family and
friends, and to raise awareness in the larger community as to the
nature of such disorders.
Colorado DBSA support groups are/do:
Peer led
Confidential
Free of charge
Meet regularly
Safe and non-judgmental
Share experiences, information, and strategies for living successfully with mood disorders
Colorado DBSA groups are not:
Therapy or treatment
A place to diagnose
A “pity party”
Experts giving a lecture
A replacement for professional care
There are five reasons why self help works: the group provides a social network;
it aids people in changing their roles; it teaches effective coping methods; it
furnishes role models; and gives meaning to peoples lives. Attending a support
group puts one in touch with others struggling with the same dilemma. A support
group can help one rediscover the humor and strength that they thought had long
since been lost.
Additionally, DBSA attendees discover they are not alone in the fight and that
others care about what they are going through. They find out help is available,
where to go to find it, and what new ideas are circulating to deal with mood
disorders. It’s not uncommon to hear about some new theory or approach that is
being tried, giving you a renewed sense of hope.
Participating in the group is rewarding. It helps to keep an open mind and show
up on time. Maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance. The support
group is not a 12-step program or group therapy. It is imperative to respect one
another, since we all come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and
to respond compassionately, not judgmentally.
Attending your first meeting may feel awkward. You may question whether it is
right for you. Give it a chance. If you come to 4 or 5 meetings you will see the
sharing that is occurring and will soon begin to feel a part of it all. Like
anything else, the goodness doesn’t happen all at once.
Nationally, DBSA can be contacted at
www.ndmda.org/ or 1-800-826-3632.
For regional meeting places and times and further information contact Carol in
Denver, Colorado at 303-329-9894.
Copyright 2002 A&H Publishing Corporation