This section includes a number of links to Websites in your area
and around the country. It can help put you in touch with self-help,
advocacy, and support groups whose members share your issues and concerns.
American Psychological
Association (APA)
The APA is the world's largest association of psychologists. The Web
site provides books, journal articles, and research findings on such
issues as depression in women and children, child abuse, sexual orientation,
television violence, and controlling anger. You can also use the site
to find psychologists who practice in your area, as well as a list
of psychological associations and related organizations around the
world.
American Foundation
for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The AFSP funds research, education, and programs to treat depression
and prevent suicide. The Website provides suicide facts, danger signals,
and advice on what to do if a loved one may be contemplating suicide.
Topics include information on suicide research related meetings and
events and how to contact survivor support groups in your area.
Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The DBSA provides education about the nature and management of depressive
and manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder) as treatable medical
diseases. The Website includes information on symptoms and screening,
adolescent depression, advocacy issues (such as how to start a support
group), funding for mental health research, patient assistance programs,
a calendar of related events, and links to related Websites. This
site also includes updates on the status of a variety of mental health
legislation.
Families
for Depression Awareness
This group's mission is to help families recognize and manage the
various forms of depression and associated mood disorders. It also
seeks to reduce the stigma associated with depressive disorders and
help families cope with depression. They are different from other
organizations because they focus on the family members and friends
of those who are depressed. The Website offers basic information
about depression and access to free brochures. It also includes profiles
of families who are dealing with depression, as well as profiles of
healthcare professionals who are dedicated to managing it.
Jed Foundation - ULifeline
This nonprofit public charity is committed to reducing the youth suicide
rate and improving the mental health safety net provided to college
students nationwide. The foundation was started when the founders
lost their youngest son, Jed, a college sophomore, to suicide in 1998.
The Foundation's ulifeline.org Website offers suicide facts and warning
signs for parents and students, and directs students to appropriate
mental health resources. It also describes various suicide prevention
programs that are being conducted at universities throughout the country
through grants from the Jed Foundation.
National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is a grassroots self-help support and advocacy organization for
people with mental illnesses, their families, and friends. The Web
site offers information about mental illness (with a special focus
on schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders), treatment breakthroughs,
government policy and legislation, legal issues and patients' rights,
and programs, support groups, and other resources for family members.
Also included are a helpline, listings of upcoming meetings and events,
and links to other mental health sites.
National Mental
Health Association (NMHA)
The NMHA promotes victory over mental illness and the stigma associated
with it through advocacy, education, research, and service. The Web
site includes information on the range of mental illnesses and how
they affect all age groups; healthcare reform and the rights of consumers
(including parity of mental health benefits with other health coverage);
suicide prevention; and treatment guidelines. Also included are a
confidential online screening test for depression and a list of community
support services. For additional information, access to NMHA's Help
Desk is also provided.
Back to top >>