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, which funds research, education,
and treatment programs aimed at the prevention of suicide, has compiled a national
directory of survivor support groups for families and friends of people who have
committed or attempted suicide. The group directory is listed state-by-state, so
you can be quickly directed to information about 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. 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. The site also includes updates
on the status of a variety of mental health legislation.
Emotions
Anonymous PO Box 4245, St. Paul, MN 55104-0245 (651) 647-9712
Emotions Anonymous is a 12-step organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants
meet weekly to work toward recovery from emotional difficulties. Diverse membership
includes people of all ages, economic status, and social and educational backgrounds.
National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI) Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201-3042 (800) 950-NAMI (6364) or (703) 524-7600
NAMI is a grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization for patients,
families, and friends dealing with mental illness. The group has approximately 1200
affiliates and over 203,000 members in all 50 states. It strives to be recognized
as the primary source for information and referral on all aspects of mental illness.
The NAMI also supports continued scientific research into causes and possible cures.
Recovery
Inc. 802 North Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 337-5661
This is a mental health self-help program based on the work of Chicago psychiatrist
and neurologist Dr. Abraham W. Low. A pioneer in the development of the self-help
movement, Dr. Low believed that psychiatric patients could take an active role in
regaining and maintaining their mental health by learning to control their responses
to recurring symptoms. There are currently over 700 active Recovery Inc. groups
throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Puerto Rico, Great Britain,
Spain, and Israel.