Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The organization fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably.
DBSA publishes more than two dozen educational materials about living with mood disorders, all available free of charge. Its educational materials have no medical or scientific jargon and convey a message of hope and optimism. All materials are reviewed by patients to ensure the contents are targeted for patients and their families.
DBSA helps when people need it most:
* Before diagnosed
* When first diagnosed
* When treatment isn’t working
DBSA advocates in Washington, D.C., on behalf of people living with mood disorders, providing congressional testimony and ensuring the voice of the patient is heard. Current issues include increased research funding, insurance parity, patient confidentiality, increased attention for comorbid illnesses and integrated treatment for dual diagnosis by dually trained professionals.
DBSA holds an annual conference for its constituents, publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and sponsors surveys on issues of importance to those living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.
Crisis Information
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, call (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 9-1-1 immediately. You can also text DBSA to 741-741. Or contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend, or hospital emergency room.
Welcome!
The Balanced Mind Parent Network (BMPN), a program of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), guides families raising children with mood disorders to the answers, support and stability they seek. BMPN is a family-focused community for parents of children with mood disorders with 24/7 access to information and support.
BMPN currently hosts 11 online support communities:
Complementary Health: Online support community for parents of children, teens or young adults interested in treating mood disorders with complementary health approaches
RTC: Online support community for parents considering, or who have a child in, a residential treatment facility
Stability: Online support community for parents whose child(ren) are in a period of stability
Substance Abuse: Online support community for parents of children, teens or young adults with mood disorders and substance abuse issues
Support (3 communities): Online support communities for parents raising a child with depression, bipolar or related disorders
Teen (2 communities): Online support communities for parents raising a teen with depression, bipolar or related disorders
Transition: Online support community for parents raising transition-age young adults with depression, bipolar or related disorders
Very Young: Online support community for parents raising children age 8 or younger with depression, bipolar or related disorders
For more information on the Balanced Mind Parent Network and how to join, visit community.dbsalliance.org. For questions about the program, please contact [email protected].
Silicon Valley Chapter
https://dbsasiliconvalley.org/