New
Beginnings Support Group
A Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
A free support group for people with mood disorders & their loved ones
|
A Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
A free support group for people with mood disorders & their loved ones
|
|
|
Resource IdeasNOTE:
With all sources of information and assistance (including the internet)
you run the risk of knowledge that is specifically slanted.
It is important to get your information from more than one source that
you believe to be reliable. New
Beginnings does not endorse any information or service provided by the following
resources. At
the top of this page is an index where you can click on a subject (underlined
words) and it will take you
directly there. Below the index are the various resources.
Phone Support - New Jersey & Elsewhere Suicide Prevention - Available Almost Everywhere Mental Health Groups - New Jersey Cutting Prescription Costs - New Jersey Cutting Prescription Costs - Available Most Everywhere Government
Aid - Available Most Everywhere Mental
Health Advocates - New Jersey Mental
Health Advocates - Available Most Everywhere American Disabilities Act Violations Finding Other Groups - New Jersey Finding Other Groups Nearby To South Jersey Finding Other Groups - Most Everywhere Support For An Affected Person's Loved Ones Literature,
Tapes, And Movies - New Jersey Literature, Tapes, And Movies - Available Most Everywhere Finding Mental Health Professionals Finding Mental Health Professionals And Services In New Jersey Finding Mental Health Professionals - Most Everywhere Mental
Health Advanced
Directives (MHAD) also known as Psychiatric Advance Directives (PAD) Enhance Your Life Through - Advocacy Enhance Your Life Through - Jobs Enhance Your Life Through - Volunteering Phone Support - New JerseyCONTACT
of Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties
http://www.contacthelplines.org/pages/crisis.html
Dial
(877)266-8222 for
Crisis Helplines 24 hours a day - 7 days a week CONTACT
of Burlington County
http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/contact/
Dial
(856) 234-8888
for Crisis Helplines 24 hours a day - 7 days a week Suicide Prevention - Available Most EverywhereNational
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial
1-800-273-TALK,
24 Hours a Day
|
 | 2 evening support groups per month |
| 2 daytime meetings per month |
| regular social outings |
| lectures by experts - Oct. 31 - The incredible John McManamy will be speaking. |
| educational classes |
| referral to excellent doctors and therapists |
| and a spirited mental health quarterly |
New Directions Delaware - Wilmington, DE http://www.newdirectionsdelaware.org/who.html
New Directions Delaware, Inc. is a support group for people with depression and bipolar disorder and for their families and friends. They meet twice a month for support and once a month for educational speakers.
DBSA Delaware Valley - Philadelphia, PA
Mission Statement: To provide hope, support, contacts, and friendship for our members. - To educate and inform ourselves, and the general public concerning the nature and management of depression and related disorders. We refer to our groups as "Care and Share". In our group's people can, but are never forced to, share issues concerning how we are affected by our life situations or our symptoms. Asking for feedback is optional. Feedback is derived from a group member(s) own life experiences. Telephone #: 610-604-0727 Email Address: R.Berman5@verizon.net Phone 610-604-0727
Pink & Blues - Philadelphia, PA
Program Mission Statement: Free We are a mutual self-help, support and resource exchange group for persons living with mental illness who are bisexual, gay, intersex, lesbian, transgender or questioning adults. We are an affiliate of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) based in Chicago, IL A weekly Pink & Blues discussion group was held at Belmont Behavioral Health on the Rainbow Haven in-patient unit from April 23, 2002 until unit closed April, 2004. Member of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association www.PMHCA.org. Phone 215-627-0424
Depression Bipolar Alliance - Philadelphia, PA
Program Mission Statement: To support and empower persons with depression and bipolar diagnoses and provide resources and information to aid in recovery. Phone (215) 552-8737 Email Address: Denis@Hazam.org
<CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE>
Finding
Other Groups - Most Everywhere
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org
The DBSA parent organization has a far ranging locator guide for groups.
NAMI-CARE "National Alliance on Mental Illness - Consumers Advocating Recovery Through Empowerment www.nami.org
Support Group for anyone afflicted with any type psychiatric disorder. Follows a national model, based upon shared insights and empathy. Groups are affiliated with local NAMI family groups for education and advocacy. Offers trained peer facilitators. Membership $3/yr (optional).
New
Beginnings Support Person's Group
http://www.NBgroup.org/new_page_1.htm
This separate support group is for family members and/or friends of someone with a mood disorder. Many people with affected loved ones find that meeting with the main group as well as the separate Support Person's group is an excellent way to gain valuable knowledge about mood disorders. This group meets from 7 to 9 pm on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month.
Bipolar Significant Other http://www.bpso.org/index.php
BPSO is intended to provide information and support to the spouses, families, friends and other loved ones of those who suffer from bipolar disorder (manic-depression). These resources have helped many of us inform ourselves, cope with behaviors that sometimes arise from the illness, better understand our own reactions, and determine how we may best support our loved ones.
National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org
A long term organization for those with any type of mental illness and their families. Loaded with great information and resources
<CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE>
New Beginnings' Resources and Lending Library
New Beginnings has a collection books, videos, articles, and pamphlets that many people have found helpful. The articles and pamphlets are free to take and the books and videos can be checked out at any of our meetings.
Your
Public Library
There will be a lot of books, tapes, and movies that you can preview. Also you do not necessarily have to buy a book if you only need it temporarily.
REDUCING COST OF BOOKS - Best Book Buys http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/
Best Book Buys will scan the net and return a list of new and used books from a very large number of online bookstores. You can select the book by searching for the title, author, or ISBN number. When you find your book the stores are listed in order by price (including shipping costs), starting with the lowest price.
Living Well With Depression and Bipolar Disorder: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You That You Need to Know by John McManamy
It is the first book on these topics to bring a patient's perspective to the diagnostic, clinical, and scientific issues. A quote: "Yes, we need to listen to the professionals who treat us, but they also need to listen to us. They are the ones with the specialist knowledge, but we are the ones living in our own skins with access to the complete picture."
"
"
Staying
Well Research by
Dr Sarah Russell
Researcher, Dr Sarah Russell who has lived with bipolar disorder for twenty-five years, was the head of a study that provides a remarkable insight into mental health wellness. She draws on the first-hand accounts of more than 100 people who have been doing well for long periods by following successful personal "staying well" strategies/lifestyles. A report was produced in 2004. http://www.researchmatters.net/publications/StayWellFindings.doc She also produced a book based upon the study "A Lifelong Journey - Staying Well with Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder" http://www.bestwebbuys.com/Lifelong_Journey-ISBN_0855723572.html?isrc=b-search John McManamy called it the best book of the year for 2005.
The Self-Esteem Workbook by Glenn R. Schiraldi
A host of dysfunctional and self-destructive patterns arise at minor and acute levels if an individual dislikes him- or herself. Despite the importance of self-esteem, surprisingly little attention has been focused on building it directly, until now. Designed in an easy-to-use format, The Self-Esteem Workbook presents a course in self-esteem based on new research and sound principles. Checklists, fill-ins, and exercises show readers how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and behavior impact their self-esteem. Periodic checkups help them gauge their progress, and final sections offer strategies for preventing relapse.
The Depression Workbook - A Guide For Living With Depression And Mania by Mary Ellen Copeland and Matthew McKay
Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S., in moving language and with startling honesty, tells her story here, as well as sharing the thoughts and insights on 120 depressives and manic depressives from around the country who participated in a survey she conducted. A detailed overview of the history, causes, and treatment of mood disorders is presented in the first chapter by Matthew McKay. Ph.D., author of eight books in the field of psychology. The Depression Workbook offers step-by-step, self-help guidance for
|
· Taking responsibility for your own wellness. |
|
· Using charts to track and control your moods |
|
· Finding appropriate mental health professionals |
|
· Building a support system |
|
· Increasing your self-confidence and self-esteem |
|
· Using relaxation, diet, exercise, and full-spectrum light to stabilize your moods |
|
· Avoiding conditions that can exacerbate your mood swings |
Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder by Jim Phelps, M.D.
This book gives a ton of information yet is easy to read. Released in 2006, it contains important new ideas.
Anxiety & Depression Workbook For Dummies by Charles H. Ph.D. Elliott, Laura L. Ph.D. Smith, Aaron T. MD Beck
From identifying your triggers to improving your relationships manage your emotional wellbeing Struggling to cope with anxiety and/or depression? Have no fear this hands-on guide focuses on helping you pinpoint the root of your problems and find relief from your symptoms in a detailed, step-by-step manner. With concise, eye-opening exercises, you'll understand how to assess your current situation, remove the roadblocks to change, face your fears, and improve your view of yourself and the world around you. You'll see how to take direct action to alter negative or distorted thinking, lift your moods, and adopt positive habits that will lead you toward a more joyful, meaningful, and connected life! Discover How to improve the way you feel about yourself. Skills to face and overcome what makes you anxious or depressed How to determine whether medication is an option for you. Practical ways to prepare for and deal with setbacks
Why Am I Still Depressed by Jim Phelps
Written specifically for the millions who suffer from "soft" bipolar disorder. People with "soft" bipolar disorder, also known as Bipolar II, have frequent episodes of depression along with anxiety, irritability, and restless sleep. Why Am I Still Depressed? helps you discover if you or someone you love may have a non-manic form of bipolar disorder and shows how to work with doctors to safely treat the condition. Dr. Jim Phelps, a psychiatrist who specializes in treating bipolar disorder, examines the advantages and potential hazards of taking antidepressant medications and explores a range of treatment options, including exercise, research-tested psychotherapies, and medication approaches, from principle to practice.
The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings by Monica Ramirez Basco
Living with bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge. Those who struggle with the illness have to learn effective ways to control their mood swings, avoid relapse, and get the most from medication-based treatments. This workbook delivers a hands-on resource that gives sufferers the edge they need. Based on proven cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, the book offers a variety of tools that enable readers to recognize the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, develop plans for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Specific chapters address key challenges at various stages, from overcoming denial of the initial diagnosis to fine-tuning treatments and maintaining gains.
The Depression Workbook by Monica Basco
Not the same as the above book by Mary Copeland. Outlines a program that helps people achieve real breakthroughs in coping and healing. This exhaustive handbook covers the following issues: self-advocacy, building a network of support, developing a wellness lifestyle, achieving calmness with energy, symptom prevention strategies, building self-esteem, developing a personalized plan for mood stability, building a career that works, trauma resolution, dealing with sleep problems, diet, vitamin and herbal therapies, dealing with stigma, managing medication side effects, psychotherapy and counseling alternatives, learning to have fun, laughter and pleasure.
Active Treatment of Depression by Richard O'Connor
Excelling in its exploration of problematic thinking patterns in depression. A guide for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other therapists, to depression in all its forms, its symptoms, its clinical diagnosis, and its treatment. The treatment advocated in this text is one that shows the clinician how to empower patients to fight the disease actively, which takes careful management.
Stress Management for Dummies by Allen Elkin
Whether it's love, work, family, or something else that's got your anxiety in the red zone, here's an easy way to improve your outlook. Stress Management For Dummies will help you identify the stress triggers in your life and cut them down to size quickly. Certified stress manager Allen Elkin, PhD takes the guesswork (and the added stress!) out of finding the stress relief system that's right for you. After determining your stress level with a few simple tests, you'll get step-by-step guidance on finding and eliminating sources of stress, in both your mind and body. Inside are hassle-free techniques, helpful advice, self-evaluation quizzes, and fascinating information.
Bipolar Disorder for Dummies by Candida Fink
Identify your stressors and triggers Get an accurate diagnosis and get on with your life! Want to know more about bipolar disorder? This reassuring guide explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You get sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better. Discover how to Select a mental health specialist Take control of your treatment Maintain mood stability Make positive lifestyle changes Know your medication options
An Unquiet Mind: by Kay Redfield Jamison (a psychiatrist with BP)
With breathtaking honesty she tells of her own manic depression, the bitter costs of her illness, and its paradoxical benefits. This is one of the best scientific autobiographies ever written, a combination of clarity, truth, and insight into human character. Her ability to live fully within her limitations is an inspiration to others, whatever our particular burdens may be.
Detour : My Bipolar Road Trip in 4-D by Lizzie Simon
An ingenious inquiry into the nature and treatment of manic depression -- her own as well as others. It is a spellbinding revelation by scoping it out from the viewpoint of someone who is young, hip, and vulnerable.
Getting Over thee Blues by Leslie Vernick
She has struggled with depression and is a counselor. The book has a an action/suggestion/exercise at the end of each lesson. It would be an excellent resource for friends or family. It also has a sample letter to family and friends telling what is helpful for support. This is aimed at the women but would be helpful for anyone who needs more information on depression.
Blue Genes by Paul Meier MD
Paul Meier MD who is himself ADD presents an up to date book that looks at the inherited aspects of mental illness and other mental conditions. It has an excellent chapter about bipolar. A good book for family and friends because of the information and treatment options given. Helped me see the brain chemistry aspects of mental illness.
What Goes Up... by Judy Eron
This book is a must read for anyone who has a loved one with serious mental illness who says "I am not sick, I don't need help!" Judy lays out the common pitfalls encountered by family members in this situation. The powerlessness, self-doubt, loss of self-esteem and depression that she felt are common. I have no doubt that her candid description of her experience will be healing to others. Once I started, I could not put this book down. It is ultimately a love story. It is about love persevering in the worst of all possible conditions.
<CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE>
There are various ways to locate psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in your community. It is an important decision but you do not need to worry about possibly selecting someone who does not meet your needs. You can always look for someone else if you if you aren't satisfied with any aspect of your treatment and you do not feel that you can resolve the issue. Locating a mental health provider that is right for you is a personal process and it can take time.
There are a number of things many people look for. The person should be someone with whom you will be able to openly and honestly express yourself. It should not matter who you are or what has happened in your past. They should respect you and your background. You need to know exactly what their boundaries are with confidentiality, safety, and privacy. It is important that they understand what is going on with you and be sensitive to it. They need to be able to help you deal with whatever challenges you may face. They need to respect your rights and needs. They have to help you cope with the various financial situations you may get into. You also have the right to a thorough explanation of your treatment options.
Many insurance companies only cover services offered by their selected mental health providers. If you have insurance that may pay for mental health services it is usually a good idea to contact them before choosing providers. If you have Medicare coverage then it can be good to look for mental health professionals that accept it.
Other ways to local a mental health professional are:
|
Go to a local support group you can ask people if they know of professionals in your area that they would personally recommend. |
|
Contact the psychiatry department of a local medical school, or the psychology department of a local university. |
|
Contact a local hospital directly and ask about mental health clinics, or staff psychiatrists. |
|
Check Clinical Trials for trials in your area in which you may qualify. |
|
Contact a professional society, such as the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of Social Workers, etc. |
Finding Mental Health Professionals And Services In New Jersey
NJMentalHealthCares http://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/
Call
866-202-HELP (4357) TTY: 877-294-4356
NJMentalHealthCares connects you to mental health services including:
inpatient and outpatient services, rehabilitation services, self-help services,
legal, housing, employment, mental health education and more. Your call is
answered by knowledgeable mental health professionals live from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(at other times they call you back within a day - including weekends and
holidays). They speak to you in the language you prefer or by TTY. They provide
an up-to-date listing of NJ's public mental health providers.
Email: njmentalhealthcares@mhanj.org
Finding Mental Health Professionals - Most Everywhere
American Psychiatric Association http://www.healthyminds.org/locateapsychiatrist.cfm
The APA's organizational objectives include the advancement and improvement of care for persons with mental illnesses through nationwide public inormation, education, and awareness programs and materials. To locate a psychiatrist in your area, please contact our APA Answer Center. Please be sure to provide us with your postal address, including your city, state/province and zip code, as well as the postal address, email and or fax to which we should reply.
APA Answer Center
American Psychiatric Association
1000 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209
OR Call Toll-Free: 1-888-35-PSYCH From outside the U.S. and Canada call: 1-703-907-7300
Email: apa@psych.org
American Psychological Association http://locator.apahelpcenter.org/
A psychologist can help you cope with many of life's problems. To locate a psychologist in your local area using our new and growing online locator service, enter your zip code or a city and state and click "Search". You can also obtain a referral to a psychologist in your area by calling 1-800-964-2000. The operator will use your zip code to locate and connect you with the referral service of the state psychological association.
American Medical Association http://webapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/home.html
Doctor Finder provides you with basic professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States. This includes more than 690,000 doctors. Phone (312) 464-5000
National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists http://www.nacbt.org/searchfortherapists.asp
You may search for a mental health professional near you who is certified by the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. Simply enter either the state for which you are searching and click on the "Submit" button.
National Association of Social Workers http://www.socialworkers.org/register/default.asp
The NASW Register provides a listing of clinical social workers that meet verified uniform national professional criteria. It also facilitates improved inter- and intra-professional referrals and consultations to accommodate individualized treatment planning sensitive to diagnosis, preferred treatment modality, cultural issues and geographical locations. Many Web listings of psychotherapists fail to verify the credentials and education of the applicants. However, NASW has verified this criteria for every individual listed in the NASW Register.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/FindATherapist.asp
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America provides a list of its members who have identified themselves as mental health providers. For ease of use, these providers are listed geographically.
The International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy http://cognitivetherapyassociation.org/refhome.aspx
The International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy (IACP) provides the
names and contact information for the individuals listed below who offer their
services for psychotherapy. The IACP makes no judgment about the licenses or
specific qualifications of individuals. We suggest that you ask any potential
provider about their credentials, licenses, and experience dealing with the
particular problems that you are presenting. Listing on this website does not
constitute endorsement by the IACP.
Dr. Ivan's Depression Central http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html
This is a listing of psychiatrists in the U.S.A. specializing in the treatment of individuals with all types of depressive disorders including Bipolar (manic- depressive) Disorder, Cyclothymia, Dysthymia, Major Depression, and other mood disorders.
Locate a Doc http://www.locateadoc.com/
Find psychiatrists or psychologists by city or state
International Psychiatric Organizations by Country http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/countrys.cfm
