Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - National Headquarters

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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - National Headquarters

Find Wellness. Find Community. Find Hope. Visit dbsalliance.org for wellness info and tools, inspiring stories, podcasts and more.

Through 500+ support groups and 160+ chapters, DBSA reaches people with in-person and online peer support and easy-to-understand information on depression and bipolar disorder.

03/03/2026

If “exercise” feels like a loaded word, you are not alone. Supporting your mental health through movement does not have to be exhausting or expensive. A short walk a few times a week can be a realistic starting point, and it can help your body feel more energized, your mind feel a little clearer, and your mood feel more supported.

This is not about pushing harder. It is about giving yourself a simple option that you can return to, especially on days when everything feels like too much. If you want additional support alongside small habit changes, DBSA peer support groups offer a place to connect with people who understand what it is like to manage mental health day to day.

02/24/2026

Cyclothymia is a bipolar spectrum condition that can involve periods of feeling more up or activated and periods of feeling lower or depressed, cycling back and forth over a long stretch of time. Even when the highs and lows feel milder, the impact on your daily life and relationships can be very real.

You deserve support that helps you feel steadier and more understood. DBSA support groups offer a space to connect with others who live with mood disorders and to learn what helps.

02/18/2026

This February, DBSA joins The STARR Coalition for Fueling the Future February—a national effort to advance mental health research.

Progress happens when science and lived experience work together.

Learn more: https://thestarr.org/futurefeb/

02/17/2026

Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize, and it is not something you can “power through.” It can include persistent sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. ACOG notes it can also show up as intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair.

CDC data suggests about 1 in 8 postpartum people report symptoms of depression. Many people do not talk about it because of embarrassment or fear of being judged, which can delay diagnosis and care.

If you recognize yourself in this, consider telling your OB-GYN, midwife, pediatrician, or primary care clinician and asking about screening and treatment options. And if you know someone who just had a baby, sharing a post like this can be a quiet way of saying, “I see you.”

02/10/2026

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder can be exhausting, confusing, and easy for others to misread. Clinically, rapid cycling means 4 or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression in a 12 month period, and for some people the shifts can happen quickly over days or even hours. You are not alone in this, and support that recognizes patterns can make a difference. Explore DBSA’s free resources and peer support at https://www.dbsalliance.org

02/05/2026

You are not behind. A lot of people hit January with big expectations and then feel discouraged when real life shows up. That does not mean you missed your chance. The year just started and there is still plenty of time to build a rhythm that works for you, not a version of you that never gets tired or overwhelmed. If you are feeling pressure today, choose one small thing that supports you and let that be enough for now. Set goals that actually fit real life when you download DBSA’s “Easy Does It” goal-setting tool. https://www.dbsalliance.org/wellness/wellness-toolbox/dbsa-wellness-wheel/

02/03/2026

✨ BrainStorm is more than a film — it’s a conversation.

After the screening, DBSA is hosting a live virtual panel with the BrainStorm filmmakers and members of the DBSA community to talk about the film through the lens of wellness, connection, and peer support.

Together, we’ll explore questions like:
💬 What did wellness mean to you before diagnosis — and what does it mean now?
💬 When did community become part of your journey?
💬 What made you ready to share your story?
💬 How can stories like these reduce stigma and help people feel less alone?

🎟️ Tickets are available to pre-order now and include:

On-demand access to the BrainStorm documentary (February 1–18)

Access to the live virtual panel on February 18 at 8 PM ET / 7 CT / 6 MT / 5 PT
(The panel will be recorded and includes a Q&A.)

👉 Learn more, watch the trailer, meet the panelists, and get tickets here:
https://watch.eventive.org/brainstormthefilm/play/695ea0743c608941480986d0?emci=6ef13ace-26f6-f011-8d4c-0022482d279b&emdi=39fc485c-a2f7-f011-8d4c-0022482d279b&ceid=7750984

01/27/2026

You should not have to hunt for steady, trustworthy mental health support when you need it most. DBSA’s newsletter shares practical resources, education, and updates designed for real life, not perfection. If you want tools, reminders, and ways to stay connected to support without scrolling for hours, sign up here: https://www.dbsalliance.org/join-our-mailing-list

01/22/2026

Feeling better rarely starts with one big breakthrough. It usually starts with small, repeatable tools that help you notice what is happening, track patterns, and communicate clearly about what you need. DBSA’s Wellness Toolbox was built for exactly that, with resources that support symptom and mood tracking, preparation for appointments, and reflecting on progress over time. If you want support while you build those habits, DBSA’s peer-led support groups offer a steady space to connect with people who understand, without judgment.

01/20/2026

When you’re not sure what you’re feeling, the uncertainty can be its own kind of weight. DBSA’s Mental Health Screening Center offers free, confidential screening tools that can help you check in on symptoms and get a clearer sense of what support might be helpful next. A screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a steady first step, especially if you’ve been trying to make sense of things on your own. And if you want support while you sort through next steps, DBSA’s peer-led support groups are a place to talk with people who truly understand.

01/14/2026

Bipolar disorder can feel isolating, especially when symptoms shift and people around you do not understand what is happening. It is a treatable mood disorder that can include episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania, and the right support often includes more than clinical care. Peer connection matters because it puts you in a room with people who get it, without judgment, and without you having to overexplain your experience. DBSA’s peer-led support groups offer a consistent place to talk, listen, and feel less alone as you navigate what stability can look like for you.

01/12/2026

Depression is not one single experience, and it does not look the same for everyone. Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and psychotic depression are just a few of the many forms it can take, each with its own patterns, intensity, and care needs. When we name the type, we get closer to the right support, and we reduce the shame that comes from feeling like you should be able to power through. Major depressive disorder is typically an episode of low mood and loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and affects day-to-day functioning. Persistent depressive disorder is a longer-lasting form of depression with symptoms that can feel “always there” for two years or more. Seasonal affective disorder often follows a seasonal pattern, commonly showing up in fall and winter, and can include low energy, sleep changes, and shifts in appetite. Psychotic depression includes severe depressive symptoms along with delusions or hallucinations, and it requires urgent, specialized care. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone, and you deserve support that fits what you are experiencing. You are not alone.

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Chicago, IL

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http://www.DBSAlliance.org/, http://sprout.link/dbsalliance

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