DBSA NCA Weekly Update 09/11/22

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance National Capital Area Chapter Weekly Update September 11, 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 Rd. 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 Monday of each month. 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. News From Our Chapter DEI- What's It All About? Monday, September 19, 2022 at 5:30pm Central/ 6:30pm EST You may have heard of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but what exactly does each word in this acronym mean? How are these terms similar? How do they differ? This 2-hour, foundational workshop session will define diversity, equity, and inclusion to give the participants working knowledge to apply to foster an inclusive DBSANCA organization for all. We will discuss topics such as social identities, power, dominance, and marginalization as well as intersectionality (the framework that describes how our social identities are interconnected with larger systems of advantage and disadvantage). The session will end with case study scenarios culminating our teachings into real application that we can all use to ensure our mental health services are accessible, inclusive, and available to all, regardless of background. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-2vpj8rGdP2qrfHLOL2MDTbviMrB3kp After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Note it is only for people associated with our chapter, and limited to 50 . Facilitators and Board Meeting Saturday, September 17th (facilitators at 10:00 AM followed by the Board at Noon). We will 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. Please inform a facilitator of any support group problems or concerns you would like to see considered. If you have any general items of chapter concern or suggestions for new initiatives or activities you would offer for chapter consideration, please share with board members. Board members for the coming year are to be elected at the board meeting. If you would be interested in serving on the board, or would suggest someone who might, please respond with an expression of interest. Board members are generally expected to participate in four quarterly virtual meetings a year, any special meetings that might be called, and be in email contact to discuss chapter issues. Update to DBSANCA Website: Recent DBSA NCA Speaker Series Talks by Dr. Jacobsen and Dr. Gao talk are now available on our website under Speakers Series. Diagnosis and Treatment of Biopoloar Disorder: What Patients and Families Should Know Dr. Gao (video) Surviving & Thriving: Covid, War, Stress & Despair by Dr. Jacobsen (video 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 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 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. https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-trauma-and-mental-health/? 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/? 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? Free Will is dedicated to helping people who live with mood disorders ensure security for their loved ones. National DBSA will offer facilitator training in September. DBSA Wellness Wheel -

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National Capital Area Chapter

Weekly Update

September 11, 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 Rd. 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 Monday of each month.
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.

News From Our Chapter

DEI- What's It All About?

Monday, September 19, 2022 at 5:30pm Central/ 6:30pm EST

You may have heard of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but what exactly does each word in this acronym mean? How are these terms similar? How do they differ? This 2-hour, foundational workshop session will define diversity, equity, and inclusion to give the participants working knowledge to apply to foster an inclusive DBSANCA organization for all. We will discuss topics such as social identities, power, dominance, and marginalization as well as intersectionality (the framework that describes how our social identities are interconnected with larger systems of advantage and disadvantage). The session will end with case study scenarios culminating our teachings into real application that we can all use to ensure our mental health services are accessible, inclusive, and available to all, regardless of background.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-2vpj8rGdP2qrfHLOL2MDTbviMrB3kp

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Note it is only for people associated with our chapter, and limited to 50.

Facilitators and Board Meeting
Saturday, September 17th (facilitators at 10:00 AM followed by the Board at Noon).
We will 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. Please inform a facilitator of any support group problems or concerns you would like to see considered. If you have any general items of chapter concern or suggestions for new initiatives or activities you would offer for chapter consideration, please share with board members.

Board members for the coming year are to be elected at the board meeting. If you would be interested in serving on the board, or would suggest someone who might, please respond with an expression of interest. Board members are generally expected to participate in four quarterly virtual meetings a year, any special meetings that might be called, and be in email contact to discuss chapter issues.

Update to DBSANCA Website:

Recent DBSA NCA Speaker Series Talks by Dr. Jacobsen and Dr. Gao talk are now available on our website under Speakers Series.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Biopoloar Disorder: What Patients and Families Should Know Dr. Gao (video)

Surviving & Thriving: Covid, War, Stress & Despair by Dr. Jacobsen (video

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

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

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. https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/newsletters/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-trauma-and-mental-health/?

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/?

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?

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

National DBSA will offer facilitator training in September.

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

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.

Webinars

Arlington Department of Human Services: A Virtual Conversation on Hope, Healing, and Recovery with Kevin Hines, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month

September 28th, 2022 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Kevin Hines is a storyteller and best-selling author. In 2000, he attempted to take his life by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only 36 to survive that fall. He now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages about wellness and how to survive pain through resilience.

Kevin’s compelling story has touched audiences across the world. The Arlington Department of Human Services is pleased to bring Kevin to our community - as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month - so his story can touch your life as well.

NOTE: The topic of suicide will be discussed which some viewers may find triggering. Clinical staff will be on hand virtually to provide support.

If you are not available for the live virtual event, consider joining us for an in-person viewing of the recorded presentation on September 30 at 12noon, or October 3 at 7pm. Register to view the recorded presentation here

Families for Depression Awareness, Preventing Suicides: Supporting the Teens in Your Life. Thursday, October 6, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST

https://www.familyaware.org/webinar/helping-manage-depression-treatment/

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: 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

Reading Links

Why Sleep Matters to Brain Health

Research on Anxiety

Mania & Missing Memories: I Did What?!?

Bipolar Disorder & Identifying Your Stress Triggers | bpHope.com

How to Stop Obsessive Thought Loops | bpHope.com

Why I’m Thankful for My Bipolar Diagnosis

SoundOFF! on Self-compassion

Advertisement for a study on VNS: VNS Therapy®, a different approach to difficult to treat depression

Doctors Told Her There Was No Hope for Recovery, So She Created a Recovery Plan for Herself and Others

How to Find the Right Therapist and Therapy Today

How To Survive Suicidal Thoughts, From People Who Have Been There

How To Eat Healthy When You're Dealing With Depression

Are We Serving Your Needs?

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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