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| DBSA South
Florida, Inc. |
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DBSA
South Florida, Inc. (SFDBSA)
is a peer-run support group that is organized
and run by volunteers and offers
ongoing peer-led support groups that can help people
cope with affective disorders through peer support and
education. We
include people diagnosed with mood disorders, their
families and friends, and anyone else who seeks to
learn more about depressive and bipolar mood
disorders. SFDBSA emphasizes education in all areas
that relate to bipolar and depressive disorders
including the identification of community resources
available to help those impacted by mood
disorders.
Affective
disorders such as clinical depression and bipolar
disorder (manic depression) affect millions of people
every year. Coping with these often-misunderstood mood
disorders is difficult enough, but coping alone can be
even tougher. Through
education and awareness, many people find that they
are better able to cope with the pain of their illness
with dignity and insight. We invite anyone impacted by
mood disorders to attend SFDBSA meetings and to take
advantage of the many resources available through this
web site.
We meet at
several places throughout South Florida and are adding
more as time goes by. Please visit the Meeting
Places page of this site to find the closest
location to you.
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| Family and
Friends |
Bipolar
disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a
brain disorder that has a significant impact on the
loved ones of those who suffer as well as those who
suffer from the illness. Different from the normal ups
and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of
bipolar disorder are severe, and they often leave
family members reeling, searching for solutions from
therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental
health professionals and support groups in order to
help their loved ones with bipolar. The disorder often
contributes to additional character flaws, personality
disorders and can result in damaged relationships,
poor job or school performance and even suicide. But
there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated,
and people with this illness can lead full and
productive lives. One of the most important elements
to successful recovery is learning about bipolar by
the person who suffers and their loved ones, and then
building a support network of loved ones made up of
family and/or friends.
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