Week of 02/13/2012

1. “Partners in Mission” presentation slides (pdf)
   View the slides from our recent special program presented by Allen Doederlein, President of the National DBSA
2. Norovirus update
   It may be noted that 85 students at GWU have been infected this week by norovirus.Those with particular concerns about this or immune system issues may, of course, choose not to come tonight.

 

Week of 01/22/2012

1. Topics of Interest:

• Dry-cleaning chemical can increase risk of bipolar disorder: study
  An interesting study about early life exposure to a chemical used in dry cleaning increasing risk for bipolar disorder.
• Grief Could Join List of Disorders
  A New York Times article about disputes over the forthcoming 5th edition of the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, in particular about characterizing grieving as a form of depression. Note that the article mentions at its end that NIMH is working on an effort to classify mental disorders separate from the DSM categories.
• My So-Called Bipolar Life
  A recent New York Times op-ed about Showtime’s Homeland and bipolar disorder.
• When It Comes To Depression, Serotonin Isn’t The Whole Story
  National Public Radio story on depression, which is the first of a weekly series.

2. Charlottesville Medical Research new study on depression and fibromyalgia

Are you 18 years or older with Fibromyalgia (or ongoing, widespread pain) and Depression? Are you also currently using an antidepressant medication? If yes, you may be eligible to participate in a 19 week research study with Dr. Joseph David. No health insurance is required and qualified participants will be compensated for time and travel expenses. This study is open to both males and females.

Contact:
434.817.2442 x112
audra@cvillemedresearch.com
www.cvillemedresearch.com

 

Week of 01/01/2012

• Fullproof Advice for 2012 – Blog post by Julie Fast

Week of 12/12/2011

Support DBSA locally and nationally

Support our local chapter, DBSA NCA
Make a year-end charitable contribution to the National Capital Area DBSA chapter. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated through national DBSA.

How to contribute to our local chapter:
Make checks payable to DBSA NCA.

In person:Give your contribution to a facilitator at the Thursday evening support group.
By Mail: Send your check to:

National Capital Area Chapter
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
P.O. Box 341191
Bethesda, MD 20827-1191

Support the National DBSA

National DBSA may be supported through the Combined Federal Campaign.
The code number is 12000.

A group of five anonymous donors has come forward with a challenge:
they will match every dollar raised by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) between
now and December 31, 2011, up to $100,000! Make a donation.

Week of 11/07/2011

Reminder:

1. The Speaker Program featuring, Dr. Robert Post, takes place on TUESDAY, November 8th at 7:30 p.m.
2. The peer support group for adults with recurrent depression or bipolar disorder meets at the usual time on THURSDAY, November 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Week of 10/27/2011

1. Depression within Romantic Relationships
   Have you or your romantic partner been professionally diagnosed with depression? Romantic couples are needed for a study about depression within relationships.Each partner will earn a $15 Target or Walmart gift card (your choice) by completing a 30 to 45 minute online questionnaire.To sign up, send an email to romantic.relationship.research@gmail.comwith (1) your name, (2) your email address, (3) your partner’s name, (4) your partner’s email address, and (5) the date of first-time professional depression diagnosis.Questions? Email Dr. Leanne Knobloch, University of Illinois (knobl@illinois.edu).
2. Volunteers Needed – Virginia Family Network Kickoff!
   NAMI – Virginia is looking for volunteers to help with set up, registration, and clean up.  Tasks range from putting out centerpieces to helping register people to putting stuff away at the end of the event. Whatever time or energy you can devote is greatly appreciated!Also, do you like to draw or paint? Can do you have a secret talent at making balloon animals? If so, we need you! We would love to have some kid-friendly activities, like face painting, juggling, etc.If you or someone you know could help with any of these needs, please email Stephany at smelton@nami.org right away!!!

Week of 10/09/2011

Reminder:

1. The Speaker Program featuring, Dr. Frederick Goodwin, takes place on WEDNESDAY, October 12 at 7:30 p.m.
2. The peer support group  for adults with recurrent depression or bipolar disorder meets at the usual time on THURSDAY, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Week of 9/17/2011

1. Volunteers Needed
   Help is needed for the upcoming DBSA-NCA Speaker Programs on October 12th & November 8th.
   Please let us know if you can assist with one of the following:

Bring light finger food or cold drinks
For a couple dozen or so people.
For example: cookies, brownies, or water

Help set things up
Please arrive by 7:00 p.m.

Help with clean-up
After the program has ended.

Week of 7/24/2011

1. Room change – July 28th Only
   We will meet in rooms 6117 and 6116.
   (Turn left when exiting the 6th floor elevators.)
2. DBSA (National) News
   Allen Doederlein appointed DBSA (National) President
3. DBSA 2011 National Conference:
   -  Download speaker handouts
   -  View Peer Roundtable notes

Week of 7/10/2011

1. Topic of Interest
   Peter Kramer (of Listening to Prozac) defends antidepressants in Sunday’s New York Times: In Defense of Antidepressants
   This doesn’t convince Robert Whitaker, however: The New York Times’ Defense of Antidepressants, More misinformation in the Age of Prozac
2. New Resource
   Recovering Today – Vol. 1, Issue 1. (PDF)
   A new monthly newsletter from Recovery Resources & Support (RSS)