The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. DBSA fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing 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-CHARLOTTE IS ONE OF NEARLY 1,000 PATIENT RUN SUPPORT GROUPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, SERVING ABOUT 70,000 PEOPLE. SUPPORT GROUPS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS 86 PERCENT OF SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERS REPORTING THAT THEIR GROUP HELPED THEM FURTHER THEIR OVERALL RECOVERY. THIS IS A KEY FINDING BECAUSE IT TRANSLATES TO MEAN FEWER HOSPITAL STAYS, WHICH IN TURN MEANS LOWER INSURANCE COSTS, GREATER EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE.
Words from DBSA Members
"DBSA support groups are run by people, families and friends affected by depression or bipolar disorder. They are safe, confidential, free meetings where people can learn more about depression, bipolar disorder, and how to live with the illnesses."
One father of a daughter living with bipolar disorder says, "DBSA support groups help take a lot of stress out of your life. As a family member, you have to be as prepared as possible, and accept that things will still happen that you aren't totally prepared for. DO all the research you can. Build a long list of dependable resources and support people, so when a situation arises, you know where to turn and how to take the next step. This really helped my family when we needed it."
A mother of a son living with depression says, "When you are in the middle of a situation, it's hard to see what's happening, but when you sit in a support group meeting across from someone who is going through the same things, it gives you perspective."
DBSA-Charlotte members have added:
"Coming here I get to spend time with my real family"
"I can't even tell you how good it feels to know that every here is like me"
"It's like the theme song from that show, "Cheers", you know: "Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You want to be where you can see, our troubles are all the same, you want to be where everybody knows your name."
"I