Depression
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.
Please note that these websites do not reflect any views of Forest Laboratories.
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.
American Psychological
Association (APA) The APA is the world's largest association of
psychologists. The website 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.
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.
Mental Health America The NMHA promotes victory over mental illness
and the stigma associated with it through advocacy, education, research, and service.
The website 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.
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 website 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.
NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health is the largest scientific organization in
the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention
of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
Screening for Mental Health Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH)
first introduced the concept of large-scale mental health screenings with National
Depression Screening Day® in 1991. SMH programs now include both in-person and online
education and screening for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,
post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide
prevention. Programs are implemented by local clinicians at mental health facilities,
hospitals, primary care offices, social service agencies, middle and high schools,
colleges/universities, workplaces, and military facilities. To find out more about
SMH, visit
www.mentalhealthscreening.org.