Depression and Bipolar ​Support Alliance
​National Capital Area Chapter

Weekly Update

November 7, 2022

Hello and welcome to the weekly email! If you have a suggestion or news item to share please send to [email protected] by 5:00 pm on Fridays.

Be sure to check out the chapter website at www.dbsanca.org.

DBSA NCA Peer Support Meetings

We have resumed in-person meetings. See our Support Groups & Events calendar for more information.

This week the chapter will offer Zoom peer support groups as shown on our Support Groups & Events page. Please note that peer groups are for people living with depression and bipolar disorder. The Friends and Family group is for friends and family members of those living with depression or bipolar disorder (or other mental illnesses) to share the challenges of that relationship.

The Zoom connection links for groups have changed. To join peer groups, you may use the same link to access any Zoom meeting at its scheduled time. The Friends and Family group (first and third Wednesday evenings) has a different link for its meetings. If the provided link is used online, a password should be unnecessary. Please let us know of any difficulties via [email protected].

See our Support Groups page for up-to-date information on in person and virtual groups.

Invite link for all ZOOM PEER groups: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6625874960?pwd=TU5SZ3lkV3o4TDhDdi9lZU1jZDZMQT09

Meeting ID 662 587 4960 Passcode: dbsanca

One tap mobile +13017158592,,6625874960#,,,,,,0#,,3858633#

Dial in 301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 662-587-4960 Passcode: 3858633​


DBSA NCA Family and Friends Meeting

Invite link for the FAMILY & FRIENDS group: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82298544216?pwd=QVpkeVFIeTJvVGJwbmpXNHdWcnVlQT09

Meeting ID: 822 9854 4216 Passcode: dbsanca

One tap mobile +13017158592,,82298544216#,,,,*6740529#

Dial in 301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 822 9854 4216 Passcode: 6740529

Find Upcoming DBSANCA meeting and events


News, Events, and Resources

IN PERSON & VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS

A calendar of all meetings (including zoom links) is always on our site. https://www.dbsanca.org/supportgroups.html


DBSA National Statement on Gun Violence

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance acknowledges the heaviness many people around the country are feeling in the wake of the recent mass shootings. Click here to read full statement.


National DBSA Annual Report 2021

https://annualreport2021.dbsalliance.org/

Gain a closer look at the impact our chapter’s support has had on those
living with depression and bipolar disorder. Through education, support,
and action, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, along with our
community of mental health advocates, is lighting the way for wellness
for more people than ever before.


MEDICARE HELP

The Medicare patient resource center is on a mission to help people with
disabilities get the most out of the Medicare program (note: they do not
sell or provide healthcare plans). They have published a comprehensive
guide to understanding eligibility, coverage, and, most importantly, how to
navigate the enrollment process.

THE NIMH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Sign up for the latest mental health news, research advances, upcoming events, publications, clinical trials, meeting summaries, and more. You can also visit NIMH on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, where they highlight Science Updates, Press Releases, and other timely matters. https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIMH/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNIMH_52


NEW! From DBSA National- New Groups & Resources to Help Families

The DBSA Teen Council is a group of high school students (ages 15-18) that meet with DBSA each month to discuss issues impacting teen mental health, particularly for those living with depression or bipolar disorder. The group advises DBSA on the types of resources teens need to support mental wellness and creates its own resources to share with the DBSA community. If you are a teen, aged 15-18, who is interested in joining the DBSA Teen Council, please fill out the application


NEW! Online Support Groups For Teens Aged 14-17

DBSA now offers support groups for teens aged 14-17 living with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Support groups will take place virtually twice a week, Mondays at 5:30 p.m. CDT and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Space is limited, please apply online:

https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/teen-support-groups/?


NEW! Online Caregiver Support Groups

DBSA has just launched pilot support groups for parents and caregivers of children living with mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Registration for the Parent and Caregiver Support Groups pilot powered by Haven Now is open. The parent and caregiver support groups are 90-minute online support groups organized by the age group of the child: Young Children (4-10), Tweens (11-13), Teens (14-17), Young Adults (18-25), and Adults (26+). Register online: https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/dbsa-launches-support-groups-for-parents-caregivers/


Parental Support

NYC’s Robert Louis Stevenson School's P2P Network is proud to partner with DBSA National. The P2P Network offers parent-driven resources and support in real time. Personal and intimate, this monthly online forum, hosted by the school, is free and open to parents and primary caregivers nationwide raising emotionally complex children and young adults. Attendees offer and ask for resources and share parenting experiences. , Call Jerry to participate 212-787-6400. All meetings are on Thursdays, 1:00 PM ET. The next meeting is Nov. 17, 2022.

https://www.stevenson-school.org/blog/p2p


MORE FROM DBSA

2022 DBSA Peer Awards - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Teens: Join a Depression, Bipolar Support Group Made for You
DBSA Launches Support Groups for Parents, Caregivers - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Mental Health Resources for Parents and Children - DBSA

Chronic Conditions and Mental Health - DBSA

 A personal story by Lynn G. - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance


TREATMENT IN THE NEWS


Expert-Recommended Light Therapy Lamps to Help Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder 

From The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Adding an Antibiotic Improved Brain Stimulation Results in Depression.
Psych Congress: Bipolar Disorder Across the Spectrum: Novel Screening Tools and Treatment Options | HMP Education

Folic Acid Supplements Were Associated With Lower Suicidality in Large Database Study

Safety of t-PBM, A Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Technology That Uses Light to Treat Depression & Anxiety 

"Supporting Wellness": A Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Mixed-Methods Investigation of Lived Experience Perspectives and Priorities for Mood Disorder Treatment - PubMed


FROM DBSA NATIONAL

Letter From Our CEO: DBSA Introduces Our New Tagline - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

A Conversation with DBSA Co-Founder Rose Kurland

A Spotify podcast interview with DBSA co-founder Rose Kurland, who takes us back to the fall of 1978, when six people gathered in her living room in Glencoe, Illinois. This small but enthusiastic group laid the foundation for the life-changing work that reaches across 35 years. Rose shares highlights from DBSA's earliest years in a conversation with communications director Betsey O'Brien, giving us a glimpse of the friends, colleagues, and medical partners who have fueled decades of hope and progress for people with mood disorders. You can learn more about DBSA's origins by checking out the timeline. https://www.dbsalliance.org/our-history/


Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma, and Mental Health

ACE’s are traumatic experiences during childhood (from birth to 18-years-old) which can have a lifelong effect on mental health. Examples include experiencing or witnessing abuse, neglect, or violence in early life. To learn more read this fact sheet.

DBSA Wellness Wheel - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Virtual Peer Support Legislation Advances in U.S House: Is Your Healthcare Team Treating Toward Wellness?

DBSA Podcast Shares Inspiration and Compassion - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance


ESTATE PLANNING

FreeWill.com is dedicated to helping people who live with mood disorders ensure security for their loved ones.

https://www.freewill.com/dbsa?


SUBSTANCE ABUSE GROUP

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


WEBINARS

Finding Something in Nothing: Resolving Emotional Blunting in Major Depressive Disorder. Emotional Blunting or EB  is best described as the reduced ability to feel both happy and sad feelings, a.k.a. feeling numb.

The Neurobiology of Pain Processing and Suicide: A Potential Marker for Suicide Risk  Tuesday, November 8th at 2:00 PM ET

Metabolism, Mental Health, and the Ketogenic Diet Thursday, Nov. 10th at 2:00 PM EST.

6 Tips to Survive and Thrive During the Holidays - International Bipolar Foundation Tuesday, November 8 at 3:00 PM EST.


Families for Depression Awareness webinar Avoiding Depression Treatment Pitfalls" Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET


‎DBSAlliance: Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss - Young Adult Council on Apple Podcasts

Making the Right Decisions About New Treatments Options - VNS Therapy

‎DBSAlliance Digital Perspective: A Conversation About Mental Health and Social Media with Clayton Echard on Apple Podcasts

Video: Development of a Combined Digital and Biomarker Test for Bipolar Disorder

Depression Looks Like Me

Video and Text: “Four Ways Not to React To Someone With Depression or Crisis & Healthier Alternatives” from DBSA California



SERVICES FOR TEENS

Montgomery County launches the BTheOne.org website is designed for  teens and families dealing with substance misuse or mental health concerns.


WEEKLY READING LINKS


Bipolar & Obsessive Thoughts and Behaviors

Social Stressors Can Be Triggers for Bipolar Disorder

I Won’t Let Bipolar Stop Me! 

From Enjoyable to Excessive: Overindulging in Hobbies

4 Ways to Help Others Help You Manage Your Bipolar

5 Steps for Building Your Bipolar Support Circle

Nature Photography: Focusing on the Positive

My “Bipolar Brain”: Constant Conversations in My Head

What to Pack for Psychiatric Hospitalization | bpHope.com



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Contributions to DBSA

Donations to the National DBSA may be made through the website. https://www.dbsalliance.org/

The DBSA NCA homepage has a donation link which may be used for online contributions via PayPal or major credit card. Others may prefer to mail a check, payable to DBSA NCA, to our chapter's address​ on the website. Our chapter is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact us via email or our dedicated voicemail line, 240-780-8706​.

In Health,

The DBSA NCA Web Team