As a peer/patient run support group, we strive to bring compassion and strength to individuals suffering from mood disorders from a local level.

With our guest speaker program – professionals on the forefront of our illnesses and through the experience of our lives, we challenge the stigma and negativity that we have all experienced while bringing renewed insight into our illnesses with positivity and encouragement.

With the support of our parent organization, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and affiliates, we provide materials, resources, and hope to help each of us manage our illnesses.

If you are a family member or loved one of someone with a mood disorder and are in need of support, please visit our sister site, DBSANCA-family.org for information and meeting times. 

To download list of other DBSA support groups in the DC, MD, VA metro area please click here here. 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Upcoming... 

April 1st – May 20, 2008
Pathways to Recovery: A Model of Self-Assessment, Self-Discovery, and Planning sponsored by DBSA Falls Church. Topics include: moving past your diagnosis and moving forward in life, motivation, strategies for recovery, identifying personal strengths, setting goals, and more. No cost to participate. Workbook provided. 703.351.5104 for more info or dbsafcclasses@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 3, 2008
NAMI Walk
Every great journey begins with a single step forward, a step towards hope. NAMI MC will participate in the 2008 NAMI Walk at Centennial Park in Ellicott City. We need your help to take major strides to heighten awareness and raise funds for NAMI MC’s programs that support, educate and advocate for those in our community who are living with mental illness. Won’t you join us? 

Monday, May 5, 2008
Victoria Maxwell: Crazy for Life
DBSA-Howard County hosts a ‘tour-de-force’ one-woman show of Victoria Maxwell’s roller-coaster ride with bi-polar disorder. A brave, funny, and compelling look at experiencing, surviving, and coming to terms with mental illness. 10am-1pm. $20. Slayton House, Wilde Lake Community Association, 10451 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia MD 21044. 301.575.6766 - Vanessa. 

Saturday, May 17 2008
DBSA Open Mic Night! 7-9:30pm
Express yourself! Healing through the Arts! Come share your poetry, journal entries, memoirs, fiction, music, comedy, film, artwork, theater, dance, you name it! Sponsored by DBSA NCA, DBSA NOVA, and DBSA Howard County. Event will be held in the George Washington University Hospital Auditorium. To sign up – Awazzy7@netzero.net

Thursday, June 5, 2008
Dr. Frederick M. Jacobsen will give his annual talk reviewing what is new in psychopharmacology for mood disorders. Dr. Jacobsen resides on the DBSA NCA advisory board. The event will take place at the GWU auditorium. Event begins at 7:30pm. DBSA NCA Speaker Events.

Friday, June 13, 2008 –
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Recovery + Wellness Weekend Retreat
This event will be held at Chanco on the James. Cost is $25 per person. Food and accomodations included. Topics include: Talking to your Doctor, Anxiety: Sympton/Triggers, Emotional Regulation, Relaxation Training and more. For more info 703.354.5104 or dbsafcclasses@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D.: Personal and Professional Perspectives on Depression
Event will take place at 6:45pm at Minnie Howard School Auditorium, 3801 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302. No cost to attend. Free parking. 1.5 CEUs for health care providers. Book sale and signing to follow. Sponsored by NAMI Northern Virginia.

September 10-14, 2008
DBSA 2008 National Conference:
The Power of Peers
DBSA offers a unique peer-centered perspective for individuals living with depression or bipolar disorder as well as for family members or health care providers looking for ways to best help their loved-ones, patients or clients by partnering with them on their path to recovery. Conference will be held in Norfolk, Virginia.

Ongoing
George Washington University
Mood Disorders Program
The MFA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a program of comprehensive evaluation and treatment that treats each patient as a unique individual and addresses all aspects of his or her life inclding their physical health, emotional functioning, roles played within his or her family, the quality of relationships, and the ability to work at full potential....

Ongoing
Revolution Online College Mental Health Fair

View the full calendar for DBSA NCA support group meetings and other local area events regarding mood disorders.

To submit your related event, please email moira@dbsanca.org.