Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

Education and information - dbsa is committed to creating powerful and impactful communities of shared experiences and Support. We focus our education efforts in dismantling stereotypes, ending discrimination and changing the way individuals communicate about mood disorders. Dbsa reaches over four million individuals with Support, educationalresources, and tools to help individuals living with mood disorders lead productive and fulfilling lives. Dbsa recognizes that there are many paths to wellness and promotes numerous treatment components that are beneficial for individual achievements of recovery. Personal wellness tools include a wellness toolbox and wellness tracker and mood crew. Through dbsa's website, more than 820,000 individuals accessed our programs and educational resources. The balanced mind parent network, which provides parents with children living with mood disorders, with personal connections to other parents throughout the country,identifies resources, answers questions, and provides the Support and stability they seek. The 'i'm living proof' podcast series speaks to the experiences of teens and young adults learning how to manage their mood disorders and live a more fulfilling life.

Grass roots and peer services-through advocacy efforts dbsa amplifies the voices of those living with mood disorders and works toward systemic change in the delivery and quality of mental health care. Dbsa works with over 385 Support groups across 80+ local chapters and 9 state organizations to offer vital services to our community. It hosts 34 national online Support groups weekly, with 88% of post-meeting participants feeling more hopeful and 83% learning new strategies for managing their mood disorder. Dbsa launched its 3rd cohort of the peer apprentice program, designed to help veterans and individuals from marginalized communities of color overcome financial and professional barriers while pursuing the Illinois crss-il peer credential. This yearlong initiative includes dbsa's peer course, professional mentorship, and internships at local social service organizations, enabling participants to accumulate the 2,000 hours required for the credential exam application. Dbsa works with the fda, medical product developers,researchers, and regulatory decision-makers to educate on treatment options for those lving with mood disorders. Finally, dbsa has established a prestigious 45-member scientific advisory board (sab) to Support program achievements through presentations at dbsa conferences, authorship of peer-reviewed manuscripts, and media representation.