DBSA National Capital Area Chapter
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Newsletter February 20, 2022

2/20/2022

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Zoom Schedule (accidentally omitted)

Sunday Evening Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Beltsville Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
No meeting this week
LGBTQIA+ Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
No meeting this week
Women’s Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time
Mid-Day Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Montgomery County Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time
Thursday Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time
Sunday Evening Zoom Peer Support Group Meeting
Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time

Family & Friends Meeting
No meeting this week

Thank you for your patience as we implement changes. Instructions and link for Zoom meetings can be found in the email, below:
This Week's Newsletter

​DBSA NCA Board Changes

The DBSA NCA Chapter Board of Directors is pleased to welcome a new Treasurer, Vibha, and new board member, Stephanie. Our long term board member and Treasurer, Amy, has stepped down due to family concerns. If you would like to volunteer as a part of our chapter’s governing body, please contact alvin@dbsanca.org.

​DC Council Health Committee Hears from DBSA

On Monday January 24th, DBSA’s DC Advocacy Chair Eric Scharf testified before the DC City Council’s Committee on Health at their annual performance oversight hearing for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). This is an opportunity for community members to address government leaders on issues of concern about mental health issues in the city. In his testimony Eric touched on three areas of concern:
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  • the impact of the Covid epidemic on the mental health of DC residents;
  • the impending implementation of the 988 phone number along with the need to enhance our crisis response system; and
  • the plan to integrate behavioral health services into the primary health programs offered through Medicaid Managed Care

In the testimony he called upon DBH to be more transparent about its opportunities for the public to be aware of funding opportunities and to enhance the current behavioral health crisis response system. A key concern for DBSA is to ensure that certified peer support specialists are a central player in the mental health crisis response system.

Following the hearing DBH senior executive Dr. Richard Bebout, who is leading DC’s mental health crisis response system, reached out to Eric to request a meeting to further hear our concerns about improving the crisis response system. We look forward to further opportunities to help shape DC’s programs to the benefit of peers who live with mood disorders.

​DBSA Greater Chicago Book Club

DBSA Greater Chicago Book Club - Outsiders are invited to participate in its new virtual book club. Its first session on Saturday March 19 at 11:00 AM Eastern to discuss Kay Jamison's "An Unquiet Mind"

​News and Resources From National DBSA

DBSA News A monthly, informative newsletter released by the national organization
Mood Crew Tools | For Ages 4-10 Meet the Mood Crew from DBSA helpful information for children
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I’m Living Proof: A Letter to My Younger Self Collection of podcasts and blog posts that document the lives of young adults who have a mood disorder - New episode out now!
National DBSA Wellness Wheel Easy-to-use tool that measures progress by utilizing seven distinct areas of focus
DBSA Wellness Toolbox Tools to help you communicate better with your doctor, keep track of your symptoms and moods, and record the progress you’re making
Mental Health Screening Center Basic set of diagnostic criteria for mood disorders. Not intended to take the place of a licensed professional
8 Tips on Setting Boundaries for Your Mental Health - DBSA Guidelines for keeping yourself strong and safe
Ten Grounding Strategies To Help You Redirect Your Thoughts Relaxation techniques that can be used to produce calm and reduce stress
Suicide Prevention Information Information and guidance for those who struggle with suicidal ideations. Included as well is a list of warning signs

Highlights from The Synapse (DBSA Newsletter) Winter 2021:
How Stress Affects Your Body and Mind
DBSA rises to meet the challenge of youth mental health crisis

Events Outside of DBSA​

Webinar - Rapid-acting Treatments for Pediatric Depression and Suicidality: Where are We Now?: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation - Tuesday March 8 at 2:00 PM EST https://www.bbrfoundation.org/event/rapid-acting-treatments-pediatric-depression-and-suicidality-where-are-we-now

BBRF - Article on tDCS:
Discovering How tDCS Brain Stimulation Therapeutically Modifies Brain Circuits in Depression
 
IBPF - webinar February 24 at noon Eastern "Personal Recovery in Bipolar Disorder:
Personal Recovery in Bipolar Disorder - International Bipolar Foundation​

Mind Your Mind Mondays: MHAMD - Mondays at 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM https://www.mhamd.org/news/event/mind-your-mind-mondays-3/ 

The Mental Health Association of Maryland’s Vibrant Aging: Peers Program is a weekly opportunity for older Maryland Residents to learn about brain health and engage with others around mental wellness, with a different topic every week. https://www.mhamd.org/what-we-do/outreach-and-education/vibrant-minds/events/
​

Events page for MHAMD: https://www.mhamd.org/events/

Studies and Opportunities

Healthy mothers aged 18-50 who experienced PPD are invited to participate in a 7-month study at NIH with appointments every two weeks. Call 301-496-9576 NIMH » Adults: Postpartum Depression

Depression: Repeated Doses of Ketamine, and Neuroimaging - NIMH Call 1-877-MIND-NIH to find out if you qualify. NIMH » Depression, Repeated Doses of Ketamine, and Neuroimaging
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ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. You can search for studies involving a specific disease or condition, such as “bipolar disorder,” and for ones recruiting or soon to be recruiting participants.

​Further Resources

​Analysis of Gene-Expression Profiles in Suicide Implicates 5 Genes and Several Biological Mechanisms - Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Brain & Behavior Magazine - January 2022 (pdf) 
Genome Comparisons Reveal DNA Risk Variants Differ in People of East Asian Versus European Ancestry - Brain & Behavior Research Foundation 
Tips for Starting Therapy for Mental Health - The Washington Post (may require subscription)
Phone-Bill Fees to Fund Suicide Hotline - The Wall Street Journal (requires subscription
Ketamine Therapy Is Going Mainstream. Are We Ready? - The New Yorker (may require subscription)
In Pilot Study, Oxygen Therapy for Moderate Depression Showed Beneficial Effects | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Childhood Onset of Bipolar Disorders: An Excess in the US and What to Do About It - International Bipolar Foundation - webinar video from Dr. Post, who has spoken to our chapter in the past
Childhood Onset of Bipolar Disorders: An Excess in the US and What To Do About It - International BiPolar Foundation
Liam Gildea’s High Life Low Life - International BiPolar Foundation
OCD: Using Genome Data to Predict Risk, Symptoms and Treatment Response | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation - Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Why is the CDC missing in action on severe mental illnesses? - STAT News
Mayors' top concern: mental health - AXIOS
Heads Up Guys - Online resource helping men fight depression
Here's What You Should Know About the Top 10 Antidepressants - helpful article on mental health medications

​Recent Articles from BP Magazine (BP Hope) and Hope to Cope

Relationships & Bipolar Disclosure–Finding the Right Time to Share - BP Hope
5 Ways to Boost Your Motivation & Overcome Lethargy - BP Hope
It’s a Matter of Time - BP Hope
Routine Problems with Bipolar - BP Hope
Managing Bipolar in the Workplace - BP Hope
Bipolar & Fostering Healthy Relationships - BP Hope
A Note to Caregivers on Helping with Bipolar Depression - BP Hope
Finding the Dignity in Our Diagnosis - BP Hope
Posed for Success: A Yogi’s Tale of Finding Peace Amidst Depression - Hope to Cope
5 Ways YOU Can Take Charge of Your Bipolar Care - BP Hope
Depression & Rising Above Negative Self-Talk - Hope to Cope
5 Must-Read Rules to Help Your Friend with Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder - BP Hope
A Simple Strategy to Let Go of Stress - BP Hope
Famous Females Who Are Crushing the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder - BP Hope
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