Depression and Bipolar ​Support Alliance ​National Capital Area Chapter Weekly Update August 29, 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 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. The Oxon Hill UMC at 6400 Livingston Road will resume Thursday, August 4th at 7:00 PM. The DC based Foundry UMC meeting 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 with more ease. The group finishes by 8:45 PM, and the church closes at 9:00 PM. The Beltsville, MD group is going back to virtual only. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, rather than the previous schedule. A new Silver Spring, MD in-person group will meet on the first and third Tuesdays at 6:00 PM at the Silver Spring UMC beginning on September 6th. The location is 8900 Georgia Avenue, one mile south of the Capital Beltway, and 1/2 mile north of Colesville Road (Route 29). It’s a 15 min. walk from the Silver Spring Metro. The Montgomery County peer support group is still considering when it may return to in-person meetings. News From Our Chapter The facilitators and board will meet virtually on Saturday, September 17th (facilitators at 10:00 AM, the board at Noon). Anyone with ideas, issues, questions or concerns should inform a facilitator or a board member of them. We will also elect board members for the coming year. For anyone interested in serving on the board and/or participating in its quarterly meeting, please email [email protected] or any other board member. Fairfax County, VA is making great strides in the treatment of citizens with mental health issues. It has introduced the Co-Responder program where a mental health professional is paired with a Crisis Intervention Team officer to respond to mental health calls. When fully deployed there will be 16 counselors on staff. Their Diversion First program offers alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities, who come into contact with the criminal justice system for low level offenses. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/diversion-first ​ Suicide Prevention Phone Numbers What mental health activists are saying about the 988 suicide hotline National Suicide Prevention Hotline sees 45 percent increase in outreach since launching 988 lifeline, expert says ​ A Quick Tip on How to Soothe Anxious Feelings Mental Illness in the Media Mental Illness in the Media HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver recently aired a piece on how the U.S. fails to effectively provide treatment for mental illness. The statistics are quite revealing and well presented. Note: John Oliver is a comedian and some language may be offensive. Mental Health Care: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) 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 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 Registration is now open for the The DBSA Summit. It will take place virtually October 10 - 14th. This year’s summit is packed with informative, engaging sessions designed to equip our community with the education and tools needed to impact change at the individual, local, state, and national levels. We also have fun events planned: a movie screening, an Off-Broadway night, a virtual game session, a guided meditation, and a cooking class. Link to Register: 2022 DBSA Summit Information for this year’s summit: https://vepimg.b8cdn.com/uploads/vjfnew//content/files/1659088957dbsa- summit-22-schedule-v3c-pdf1659088957.pdf DBSA National Survey Older Adults Living With Depression and Chronic Physical Health Conditions https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/depressionANDhealth From DBSA National Older Adults Living with Depression AND Chronic Physical Health Conditions https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/depressionANDhealth Back to School Resources for Parents https://www.dbsalliance.org/wellness/back-to-school/? Learn more about DBSA’s new teen support groups in an online open house, Monday, August 29th at 8:00 PM EDT. Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Teen Group Open House. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Safety of t-PBM, A Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Technology That Uses Light to Treat Depression & Anxiety https://www.bbrfoundation.org/content/team-assesses-safety-t-pbm-non-invasive-brain-stimulation-technology-uses-light-treat? A Conversation about Youth Mental Health and the making of the Ken Burns documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight,” Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 PM. Those who registered for the webinar will be able to participate by asking questions of the panelists. Rob Waters, MindSite News founding editor, and Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and member of the MindSite News Editorial Advisory Board, will moderate a talk with the film’s directors and two young people who participated in it, and have become strong advocates for mental health services and youth empowerment. https://mailchi.mp/mindsitenews.org/mindsite-news-live-event-with-hurdle-health-on-june-16th-9155045?e=b947615826 August is National Make a Will month! Free Will is dedicated to helping people who live with mood disorders ensure security for their loved ones. https://www.freewill.com/dbsa? 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. 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 HealthcareTeam 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