The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading peer-directed national organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA's peer-based, wellness-oriented, and empowering services and resources are available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
DBSA online support groups provide people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another. DBSA support groups are peer-led, meaning they are facilitated by someone living with a mood disorder.
DBSA online support group meetings are peer-based, self-help groups. In the DBSA context, a peer is a person with a mood disorder. Another distinction of peer is that we are not professionals — physicians and other mental health providers. We are here to assist, encourage, and enable each other in helping ourselves.
My professional certifications include Certified Work Incentives Practitioner, National Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and a Copeland Center trained Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitator. I am also trained and certified in Digital Peer Support and Supporting Older Adults Remotely. My most authentic credential is my lived experience. I have been providing peer support professionally since 2008 in the community mental health system, in-patient settings, and informal community settings. I have 6 years experience working in a Forensic Treatment Fa...
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Valerie Catizone Bsw, Cpss
I am a fellow peer who has struggled with mental illness, Eating disorder, weight management, addiction, PTSD, and domestic violence. I have been in recovery for 14 years and know that having experienced life can be a valuable tool. I offer a listening ear without judgement and will encourage you in recovery and wellness. I have a good understanding about what it takes to push past the darkness to be able to fully focus on recovery.
Working at self-care in any form is hard, and we all deserve to love ourselves. I have struggled with intense emotions that destroyed many positive things...
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Edward
I am a 52-year-old male with a wealth of life experience. I am a graduate of Purchase College in New York, and have worked for some of the top music entertainment and book publishing companies in the world as a graphic designer. I am also a world-traveled musician with extensive touring experience. In the last few years, I have turned to peer work as a new direction, though I continue to make art and music. I hold certifications as a peer specialist as well as a yoga and meditation instructor.
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Chrissy Peirsol
I am currently employed as a peer support specialist and has been for about a decade. I was Oregon’s first Youth Peer support Specialist. I have also been volunteering in my community for over ten years for all different types of people that struggle with challenges. I am well connected with other organizations, resource in the community and around the world. I also participates on different committees and advocacy councils around Oregon state. I am great at building social and independency skills. I works in strengths and recovery based support model. I am uber positive and will poi...
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Mary Fakhoury
I’m Mary. A 30 something-year-old trying to live an authentic life while battling my way to redemption and healing all while finding grace in the in-betweens
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Jess
Hi. My name is Jessica Angel. I go by Jess. My roots are mixed with Cherokee Indian but I was born and raised in Alaska. I am a Mother to some amazing kids and a fluffy fur baby!
I have many lived experiences with a deep passion to help others. To fulfill that strength, I became a Peer Support Specialist.
I am also a member of the National Association of Peer Supporters (N.A.P.S) and have many certificates of training within the work of trauma, mental illnesses, SUDs, Peer Support, and the carceral population to name a few.
Peer Supporter
Feedback from participants
Group Leader Info
Sunday,
May 22
02:30 PM CDT
DBSA Family and Friends Support Group
Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression
Topic: Family and friends of individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder or who believe they may have a mood disorder.
Focus: bipolar, caregivers, depression