Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance- Greater Chicago (DBSA-GC)

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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance- Greater Chicago (DBSA-GC)

The DBSA-GC is a self-help organization offering support and education to those with mood disorders, Currently conducting online support groups and help.

A Chicago-based 501(c)3 mental health services organization.

03/03/2025

The photos above- showing waaay too much are not our choice!

12/10/2024

Enjoy the next few days - winter definitely is coming!

08/19/2024

PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS A SEVERE
SHORTAGE OF BLOOD DONATIONS!

Thank you for scheduling an appointment. Right now, there's an immediate need for all blood donors, most critically those with type O blood. It's vital to keep your appointment.

THIS IS WHERE I DONATE-
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Vitalant Donation Center
25 W. Rand Road
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004

CHECK WITH VITALANT FOR A LOCATION NEAR YOU!

07/15/2024

Good Morning!
It has been a while since we all agree on "something". That something being the attempted assassination of Trump. No matter what your politics are, murder cannot be a part of that!

07/10/2024

NOT HAPPY! Costco has been my "go-to" for rotisserie chicken forever. The packaging was practical and re-usable. The last two times it was packaged in a heavy-duty plastic BAG with no easy access to the darn chicken. I realize the previous packaging was surely more expensive, but I would rather pay a bit more than tackle chicken in a bag!

01/12/2024

The "real" snow has arrived!
Be careful out there whether you are WALKING OR DRIVING!

01/02/2024

If you partied hearty New Year's Eve and are just now "back": Welcome to 2024!
May we all enjoy the New Year as we hope to.
We wish, I am so sure, that our friends and families enjoy good health, FUN!, and that we all have compassion for others. Be kind.

12/21/2023

Lately it seems like no matter what I open, postal mail, email, texts-bottom line... sender wants a donation! This has been stalkerish! No matter what the senders may think--- I am NOT a millionaire!

06/27/2023

05/24/2022

Depression lies! Deceives you into thinking you are not "worthy".
But, you are!

05/24/2022

And be more at peace...

04/10/2022

Fascinating Concept...

I’m sure there will be some who don’t like this idea, but it is a great to shed preconceived notions and learn.

Address

Chicago, IL

Telephone

+17734653280

Website

http://www.dbsa-gc.org/

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DBSA Greater Chicago 6666 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60645-5024

(773) 465–3280

DBSA-GC History:

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Greater Chicago, (www.dbsa-gc.org) originated as MDA (Manic Depressive Association) as an informal support by two women, Marilyn Weiss and Rose Kurlan, whose psychiatrist, Dr. Jan Fawcett, suggested that they meet with others to share their experiences. Together, they formed a grass roots organization which has grown prodigiously. The first informal meetings started in 1978 in their homes. Then an article in the Chicago Tribune about the group brought attention to the women and their undertaking. The many phone calls forced them to initiate an answering service. Soon the group was meeting at What’s Cooking in Lincolnwood and some years later, and since, at The Devon Bank in West Rogers Park. Other locations now include Palatine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Evanston NorthShore Hospital, Brookfield and Berwyn, and our latest addition, Andersonville/Uptown Group. All are hosting support groups for the Greater Chicago chapter. In addition, DBSA-GC sponsors an annual Symposium for the public and professionals.

Initially the support group was only for patients (now referred to as consumers). Realizing a need, Millie Sokolec and other family members organized a Family Support Group. The original newsletter, The Pendulum, (now The Spectrum) served both groups. These two groups were eventually the nucleus of the national organization. From an office in Marilyn’s home, the founders responded to requests from other cities, all wishing to start their own chapters. Key to this growth was the new organization’s attendance at the American Psychiatric Association conventions, funded generously by Dr Jan Fawcett. MDA brochures went home with the doctors and were picked up by interested patients.

In 1982, MDA-Chicago and Dr Fawcett met with four other chapters. A move was made toward forming a National MDA. As a result the first MDA convention was held at the Palmer House in Chicago in 1984. Fifty leaders from 14 states attended. The name was changed to the Manic-Depressive and Depressive Association in order to serve the needs of those with both types of mood disorders.

In 2003, there was further name change from DMDA-MC (Depressive Manic Depressive

Association- Metro Chicago) to DBSA by the National organization to reflect modern psychiatric nomenclature. No matter the name changes over the years, the mission remains the same: to help, support, and educate people and their families affected by mood disorders.

Currently there are over 500 chapters and 1,000 peer-led support groups across the nation-and the world, for people with mood disorders and their families. Each year 75,000 individuals receive services, and 5 million request information. National headquarters remains in Chicago. www.dbsalliance.org The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Greater Chicago, www.dbsa-gc.org, offers educational meetings, support groups for people with mood disorders and for family and friends. These groups are free of charge. Visit our website to find a group near you.

www.dbsa-gc.org. www.facebook.com/dbsa/gc/ https://www.facebook.com/DBSAGC/

03/03/2025

12/10/2024

08/19/2024

07/15/2024

07/10/2024

01/12/2024

01/02/2024

12/21/2023

06/27/2023

05/24/2022

05/24/2022

04/10/2022

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