Depression and Bipolar ​Support Alliance
​National Capital Area Chapter

Weekly Update

October 17, 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 Meetings

Our chapter currently has three separate in-person support groups taking place. Two are on Thursday evenings, and operate in parallel with the 7:00 PM ET virtual Thursday group.


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.

https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-
disabilities/



THE NIMH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Sign up for the latest mental health news, research advances, upcoming events, publications, clinical trials, meeting summaries, and more. In addition to the email newsletter and RSS updates, please 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



From DBSA National- New Groups & Resources to Help Families

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

Lynn G. - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance


TREATMENT OF ILLNESSES

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


OUTDOOR EVENTS

#hikeOctober - Hikes for Mental Health

Check out the schedule

Join the fifth annual #hikeOctober campaign to raise awareness of the challenges of mental illness, fund mental health research and conserve wilderness trails. #hikeOctober is free to join, open to hikers of all experience levels, and an easy way for your walk in the woods, or around the park, to make an impact.


FROM DBSA NATIONAL

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/


Suicide Prevention- Two Personal Stories

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Click Here to read two personal stories and find information and resources to manage thoughts of suicide, create a crisis plan, and identify warning signs in others.


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. Learn more about impacts risk factors, and prevention.
https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-trauma-and-mental-health/?

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

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


SURVEY

Older Adults Living with Depression AND Chronic Physical Health Conditions https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/depressionANDhealth


ESTATE PLANNING

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

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


SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPPORT 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.

WEBINARS

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

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/951068086335732750

IBPF Webinar - "Ketamine for Bipolar Depression" - Wednesday, October 19 at 5:00 PM ET

Ketamine for Bipolar Depression - International Bipolar Foundation

Navigating Behavioral Health Services in Montgomery County - Wednesday October 19 at Noon ET

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Navigating Behavioral Health Services in Montgomery County. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.


2022 INTERNATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM- Friday, October 28th, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET

Register: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation


“Taking A Look at Psychedelic Therapies” presented by ​Mental ​Health ​America ​(MHA) ​Regional ​Policy ​Council ​(RPC): Monday, October 24, 2022, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

‎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: New Developments in a Blood Test for Bipolar

Development of a Combined Digital and Biomarker Test for Bipolar Disorder


Depression Looks Like Me

2022 International Mental Health Research Symposium

Presentations (virtually) - Friday October 28, 2022 

International Mental Health Research Symposium | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation


2022 Fall Forum- Psychedelic Therapy: Problems & Promises

October 27, 2022, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

https://adaa.org/calendar/2022-fall-forum-psychedelic-therapy-problems-and-promises


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

SERVICES FOR TEENS

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

WEEKLY READING LINKS

Managing Medications & Staying Compliant | bpHope.com

Bipolar Disorder & Too Depressed to Shower | bpHope.com

Relationships & Bipolar Disclosure—Finding the Right Time to Share

Manage Your Bipolar Disorder Triggers and Cut Your Symptoms in Half

Unmasking Men’s Emotions & Mental Health

Unexpected Signs of Mania to Watch Out For

Be Someone’s “Mood Booster”—Take a Minute to Reach Out! | bpHope.com


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We aim as volunteers to provide you with relevant and easily accessible content. Please let us know if we are successful, and especially if you think there are any changes to our newsletter or website that could better serve you by emailing [email protected].

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