Depression and Bipolar ​Support Alliance ​National Capital Area Chapter Weekly Update July 25, 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​ Google Calendar Link https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=c_jf01i5oim3ibbt9g36ku0ujjf4%40group.calendar.google.com &ctz=America%2FNew_York 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 Google Calendar Link https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=c_2aih6ldtp0cojm4h58glb3h3ho%40group.calendar.google.com &ctz=America%2FNew_York News, Events, and Resources 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 now suspended until the beginning of August. 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. — Suicide Prevention Phone Numbers 988 emergency number for mental health to launch on Saturday D.C. Joins Nationwide Launch Of New 988 Number For Suicide Prevention National Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Begins Saturday U.S. Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Begins Saturday A Quick Tip on How to Soothe Anxious Feelings ​Chapter News Eric Scharf (of our chapter) has been appointed to serve on the DC DBH Behavioral Health Planning Council as a representative for Ward 1. This will provide an opportunity for DBSA to help address mental health issues in DC and will complement his work on the Medical Care Advisory Committee. The Council is tasked with reviewing and providing input to the state plan for use of block fund grants among other responsibilities. Input and suggestions on issues for him to address are always welcome. 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. Please click the link for DBSA’s official statement on gun violence and mental health. https://www.dbsalliance.org/about/dbsa-statement-on-gun-violence-and-mental-health National DBSA Annual Report 2021 https://annualreport2021.dbsalliance.org/?emci=c0e79162-5904-ed11-b47a-281878b83d8a&emdi=3e241722-6c04-ed11-b47a-281878b83d8a&ceid=7759417 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 FURTHER READING ON BIPOLAR Results of a One-Day Online CBT-Based Workshop Helped New Moms With Postpartum Depression Psych Congress: Bipolar Disorder Across the Spectrum: Novel Screening Tools and Treatment Options | HMP Education ​ MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT The DBSA Summit will 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 NATIONAL SURVEY Older Adults Living with Depression AND Chronic Physical Health Conditions https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/depressionANDhealth FROM DBSA NATIONAL C heck out our upcoming special events and education in July 2022 National DBSA will offer facilitator training in September. California is offering three relatively short programs over the summer. They cost $25.00 for out-of-staters, but include a $25.00 gift card for those who complete them and do the evaluation. Check out our upcoming special events and education in July 2022 National DBSA will offer facilitator training in September. California is offering three relatively short programs over the summer. They cost $25.00 for out-of-staters, but include a $25.00 gift card for those who complete them and do the evaluation. July Is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance DBSA Wellness Wheel - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health: Experiences of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Can Impact Overall Mental Health . 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 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 ​ WEBINARS From The ENIGMA Bipolar Disorder Working Group: Lessons from the Largest Brain Imaging Studies of Bipolar Disorder - Tuesday, July 26 at 1:00 PM EDT https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YBqeqV69Q9-yYul1QvAu1w Beyond The Numbers: Choosing The Right Mental Health Care - Tuesday, July 26 at 1:00 PM EDT https://mhanational.org/choosing-mental-health-care-webinar Manipulating Memories to Help Treat Brain Illness - Tuesday, August 9 at 2:00 EDT Manipulating Memories to Help Treat Brain Illness | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation For Young People on Snapchat: How to Support a Friend Who is Considering Suicide https://story.snapchat.com/p/f0dcef23-4f2b-45f3-8dba-f7e491a4b8c0/2876550675025920 A 75-Year-Old Female With Bipolar 1 Disorder: A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Provides Insight on Best Practices for the Treatment of Bipolar 1 Disorder and Unmet Needs in the Field . An online course from DBSA National- Finding Something in Nothing: Resolving Emotional Blunting in Major Depressive Disorder https://dbsa.patientcoach.com/learner/course/33?emci=9dfb67f7-32f2-ec11-b47a-281878b83d8a&emdi=6b60371a-66f2-ec11-b47a-281878b83d8a&ceid=7746505 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 LINKS Returning to Work—Disclosure & Decision-Making about Bipolar Facing Thoughts, Instead of Running from Them Recognizing Impatience as a Symptom of My Mood Episodes 10 Celebrity Quotes That Perfectly Describe Life with Bipolar