In Person Meetings
Our chapter now has three different in-person peer support groups taking place.
Two on Thursday evenings, and operate in parallel with the 7:00 PM ET virtual Thursday group.
The Oxon Hill meeting at United Methodist Church at 6400 Livingston Road is temporarily suspended as of June 5, 2022.
The meeting at Foundry United Methodist Church at 1500 16th St NW has moved its start time to 7:15 PM ET. Parking is now largely restricted on 16th Street NW until 7:00 PM. A 7:15 start allows participants to park more easily. The group finishes by 8:45 PM, and the church closes at 9:00 PM.
The Beltsville group has moved to a hybrid meeting structure. It will continue to meet virtually at 7:00 PM ET on the second Monday of each month. The fourth Monday of the month, also at 7:00 PM ET, will be an in-person meeting at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church at 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD.
The Montgomery County peer support group is still considering when it may return to in-person meetings.
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THE NIMH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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RESEARCH STUDY
University of Maryland study for teens with mood disorders
and their parents
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is conducting a study to test whether mobile health technologies can be used to measure response to antidepressant treatment in adolescents.
To qualify for the study, teens ages 12-17 must have a mood disorder, be currently treated with antidepressants and have access to a smartphone or tablet. To participate email [email protected] or call 410-706-4369.
Teens will be asked to use a Fitbit (activity tracker) and a mobile app for four weeks. Parents will be asked to use a version of the app specific to them. At the conclusion of the study teens will keep the Fitbit, and parents may receive compensation up to $300. No treatments will be provided in this study.
UPCOMING TV SHOWS
On WETA, Monday, June 27th, at 9:00 PM. HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS, Part 1 of 2. THE STORM Explores America's mental health crisis through the eyes of more than 20 young people and the providers, advocates, family and friends who support them. Two hours long.
On Tuesday, June 28th at 9:00 PM, Part 2 of 2 RESILIENCE. Our "heroes" speak about finding help, inpatient and outpatient therapy, the added stigma of racial or gender discrimination, and the criminalization of mental illness and youth suicide. Two hours long.
IN MEMORY
DBSA announces the passing of Dr. Jan Fawcett, the founding Medical Advisor
DBSA Mourns the Loss of Dr. Jan Fawcett, First Medical Advisor - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT
The DBSA Summit will now take place virtually October 10 - 14th. Participate in mental health learning sessions, hear from peers and experts. Topics covered: Peer Engagement, Support Group and Chapter Leadership, and Basic and Advanced Facilitator Training. Also learn how DBSA is supporting children, teens, young adults, parents, and caregivers, and much more. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for program details and registration links!
Check out some of the sessions from last year.
DBSA JUNETEENTH STORY
June 19, 2021 marks the 156th anniversary of the last slaves being freed in the US, which occurred in Texas. President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act this year, creating a new federal holiday. This is the first federal holiday for African Americans since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983. Juneteenth is central to Black Americans' mental health and well-being as this day defines Black humanity and liberation. For more information on this holiday, please refer to this link. Learn more about the importance of equity in mental health for the Black American community by reading Vanessa's story
DBSA NATIONAL SURVEY
Older Adults Living with Depression AND Chronic Physical Health Conditions https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/depressionANDhealth
SPEAKER EVENTS
On Thursday, July 21, 2002, Dr. Keming Gao MD, PhD and Director of Mood Disorders Program at UH Cleveland Medical Center, will speak on "Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: What patients and families should know" Info on registering and connecting via Zoom coming soon.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE GROUP
For those addressing substance abuse issues, CHOICES Trauma Informed 12 Step Peer Support Group (Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM Eastern) offers an alternative to traditional AA/NA 12 step programs.
https://choicesihar.org/peer-support-groups.html
TRAINING
The Department of Behavioral Health & Consumer & Family Affairs is pleased to announce the new 2022 Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training Class. To apply please complete the application in this link. The deadline to apply is at Noon on Friday, July 1, 2022.
Peer Specialist Certification Program
WEBINARS
"Bending The Binary: Contemporary Concepts For Gender & Mental Health Services" presented by Mental Health America on Wednesday, June 22 at 3:30 PM EDT
Bending the Binary: Contemporary Concepts for Gender & Mental Health Services
Video: New Developments in a Blood test for Bipolar
Development of a Combined Digital and Biomarker Test for Bipolar Disorder
Video and Text: “Four Ways Not to React To Someone With Depression or Crisis & Healthier Alternatives” from DBSA California.
https://mailchi.mp/71ba0a4a39f4/4-ways-to-help-family-friends-with-mood-disorders
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Links
The Dos and Don’ts of Mastering Your Hypomania “Dragon” | bpHope.com
How to Be Your Own “Bipolar Detective” | bpHope.com
7 Strategies to Outsmart Summer Mania | bpHope.com
How to Prevent Stigma from Sabotaging Your Stability | bpHope.com
Best Apps to De-Stress & Ease Your Mind
Bipolar & Achieving Goals with the Help of My Puppy
How Can You Tell When You’re Well with Bipolar Disorder? | bpHope.com
Combining Antidepressants Can Improve Outcomes in Patients with Severe Depression, Study Finds
