About

COVID-19 Information. We are adapting to changing health guidelines regarding COVID-19, and as of July 1, 2021, we plan to hold an online meeting via Zoom every Thursday evening and an in-person meeting every Friday evening. Please note we will be following the guidelines set forth by our meeting place, which require masks and social distancing.

Who we are. Our group is open to anyone who self-identifies as having lived experience with depression, bipolar disorder, or any other mood disorder, as well as friends, family, or advocates of same. We are peer-led; our facilitators are not mental health professionals. We meet weekly to provide support to each other and to socialize in an environment that strives to be welcoming, open, and non-judgmental. There's always more to learn and share with friends, family, and other affected group members. Our weekly numbers range between 12-20 adults (18 years or older). We're a pretty laid-back group and talk openly about what's happening in our lives. We try our best to create a safe space to discuss difficult topics related to mental health, while still making room for laughter and joy.

Where we meet. For more than a decade, we have been meeting at Westminster Presbyterian church, 4100 Nakoma Road (on the corner of Nakoma Road and Yuma Drive/Seminole Highway). Parking is available at the back of the church. Starting July 2, 2021, we will be entering the church using the Yuma Drive side entrance, where we will have hand sanitizer and masks available. For more information or to join our Thursday online meetings, please contact us by email (dbsdane@gmail.com) or phone (608-579-3274).

When we meet. Our weekly meetings begin at 5:45 pm on Thursdays (online via Zoom) and Fridays (in person). They last until about 7:15 pm. We ask that you try to join us about 5 minutes early if possible, and both meeting spaces (online and at Westminster) are generally available starting at 5:30 pm. Meetings begin with short introductions and check-ins, and then the larger group talks candidly about whatever came up during check-in that people would like to discuss in more detail, and lastly wraps with a check-out about something positive.

There's never a cost, and there is no commitment to come every week. We welcome new faces and rely on group members to help determine where the discussion leads. Each person decides how involved they want to be: Some people find meetings to be a source of strength and come every week, others drop in on occasion.

We started as a Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)-affiliated support group in 2003. Starting in 2011, we became an independent group (thus avoiding the need to collect attendance fees) and became the Depression and Bipolar Support Group. You can find more about DBSA on their website: http://www.dbsalliance.org/ We still follow the DBSA model in our group and encourage people to visit their website for additional resources.