The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading peer-directed national organization focusing on the two most prevalent mental health conditions: depression and bipolar disorder. These individuals often have a co-occurring disorder with substance abuse. DBSA informs, empowers, supports, educates, and inspires individuals to achieve the lives they want to lead.
DBSA has over 250 chapters, one of which is DBSA of Talbot County. DBSA is nationally recognized for its peer support specialist training services, mental health advocacy work, expansive peer support network, and expertise on mood disorders.
In Talbot County, DBSA offers support groups, educational material, empowering programs, and community awareness events. All services are free. The next community event will be held at the Easton Library from 9 a.m. to noon on September 21. The program will focus on “Mood and Food.”
DBSA is committed to creating and responding to opportunities to amplify the voices of those living with depression or bipolar disorder as a catalyst for change and to reduce stigma.
Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Though typically characterized by feelings of sadness, depression symptoms may appear as irritability or apathy. Tasks that seemed to be easy before may take longer because of lack of concentration. Sometimes other illnesses or medications can cause or mimic symptoms of depression, so it’s important to have a complete physical examination.
Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. It is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression because a person’s mood can alternate between the “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows). These changes in mood, or “mood swings,” can last for hours, days, weeks or months.
The President of DBSA of Talbot County, Sabitri Baker, BS, MS, LMT, is available for questions on dates and times of local support groups, details of community events, current developmental programs or workshops, and donations. She may be reached at: DBSA of Talbot County, PO Box 174, Tilghman, Maryland 21671, dbsaoftalbotcounty@gmail.com, or 443-210-5727. For more information, visit www.DBSAlliance.org.