Welcome to the Flint Hills Chapters
DBSA/NAMI
of Manhattan, Kansas USA

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE! WE'VE BEEN THERE! WE CAN HELP! Jenny-785-341-3393 John-785-236-2366  
 

THE DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE OF MANHATTAN KANSAS WELCOMES YOU

(TO ACCESS THE MANHATTAN, KANSAS, NAMI WEBPAGE, CLICK THE "NAMI" TAB ABOVE)

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MANHATTAN KANSAS FLINT HILLS DBSA MEETS ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE:

 •We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

 •Our meeting time is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (sometimes 8:00-ish.)

  • LOCATION: First Christian Church, 115 Courthouse Plaza, Manhattan, KS. (Corner of Humboldt and Fifth Streets [Map].)

Contacts--Jenny 785.341.3393 or John 785.236.2366. If you wish to get in touch by e-mail, the address is johnfjagger@hotmail.com

WE OFFER "HOPE", "HELP" AND "SUPPORT."

"YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE'VE BEEN THERE. WE CAN HELP."

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WHAT IS A MEETING LIKE?

Informal and friendly. Jenny is our facilitator. She starts the meeting by welcoming everyone. She then reads the meeting's guidelines, which are, in three words: "Confidentiality," "Respect" and "Kindness."

Then everyone has the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves or "pass" if they wish.

If someone is in crisis we let them talk about their situation.

We then have our Program/"Personal Discussion"/"Table Topics."

At every meeting we have Personal Discussion Time, ("HOW AM I DOING?" or "HAID?") (Used to be called "care and share") This is when we go around the circle and everyone has a chance to tell us "HOW AM I DOING?" This gives us time to visit and exchange ideas and stories. We talk and listen. We offer and receive support. We follow our watchwords of "Confidentiality" "Respect" and "Kindness."

•PROGRAM: At the FIRST meeting of the month (1st Thursday), we have an educational program. Sometimes we have a speaker. Sometimes we'll show a DVD/video/movie which focuses on depression and/or bipolar disorder and discuss it.

•PROGRAM: At the SECOND meeting of the month (3rd Thursday) we'll have "Personal Discussion Time" "HAID" and, maybe, "Table Topics" to inspire ideas and focus discussion.

Often, after the meeting, some group members will go to a restaurant for coffee, a meal and visiting.

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We are always glad to welcome new members to our group. We believe that each person is a resource. Each person is, or is becoming, an expert about their diagnosis. Your insighs and observations are invaluable.

SOMETIMES COMING TO THE FIRST MEETING IS DIFFICULT, PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE DIAGNOSIS OR ILLNESS! ! ! ! ASK A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO COME WITH YOU---YOU WILL FIND FRIENDLY FOLKS WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH, WHO ARE WILLING TO LISTEN AND REALLY DO UNDERSTAND.

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JUNE 18--TABLE TOPICS/DISCUSSION/"HAID?" TABLE TOPIC POSSIBILITY: "SOMETHING I DO TO KEEP MYSELF WELL: ELEMENTS OF MY WELLNESS PLAN" or "WOULD I DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN?" or "BENEFITS OF MY CONDITION" or "HOW I GET TO SLEEP."

JULY 2-- "PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE RECESSION"--DR. C. LOUIS KLOBASA IS A PSYCHIATRIST WITH SOUTHWIND COUNSELING HERE IN MANHATTAN AND HAS BEEN IN PRACTICE FOR 25+ YEARS. HE STUDIED AT MENNINGERS AND SPECIALIZES IN PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY AND FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY.

JULY 16--"HIAD?"/TABLE TOPICS/DISCUSSION---ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR TABLE TOPICS? LET US KNOW.

AUGUST 6--"CAREGIVER STRESS AND AGING WELL." KAREN KNAPPENBERGER IS WITH THE HERITAGE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR ADULTS IN WAMEGO. SHE WILL TALK ABOUT GERIATRIC HEALTH CONCERNS, LIFE TRANSITIONS AND COPING WITH THE NATURAL AGING PROCESS. SHE WILL ALSO SHARE IDEAS AND EXERCISES TO DECREASE STRESS AND HELP A PERSON LIVE AND AGE MORE PEACEFULLY.

AUGUST 20--WEENIE ROAST IN MANHATTAN CITY PARK.

SEPTEMBER 3--SPEAKER TO BE ANNOUNCED.

WE HAVE A LARGE LIBRARY OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER. COME CHECK IT OUT.

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MORNING STAR C.R.O. (CONSUMER RUN ORGANIZATION) IS A DROP-IN CENTER IN MANHATTAN FOR CONSUMERS (OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.) IT IS LOCATED AT 1018 POYNTZ. THERE ARE COMPUTERS, MOVIES TO WATCH, DARTS, POOL TABLE AND TABLES TO PLAY CARDS OR BOARD GAMES ON OR EAT PUMPKIN CAKE (IF YOU COME AT THE RIGHT TIME.) ON THE THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH THERE IS A PARTY WITH BINGO, ARTS AND CRAFTS AND/OR MUSIC.

MORNING STAR IS A GOOD PLACE TO JUST HANG OUT. PHONE NUMBER IS 785.587.4644. CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW:

MORNING STAR C.R.O.

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DBSA 'K-STATE' or 'COLLEGE AGE'(+-18--30+-) Currently inactive. Wanting to be active.

There are a lot of COLLEGE-AGE(+-18--30+-) people here in the Manhattan, Junction City and Ft. Riley area who are new to depression or bipolar.

We are wanting to re-start a 'College-Age' support group where you can find out about each other, learn from each other, and a way for you to keep in touch, if you want.

If you are interested, call John at 785.236.2366

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"What is Mental Illness?"

Choosing a Psychiatrist or Doctor

About Psychiatric Medications

Finding a Psychologist or Counselor

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The National DBSA website has information about locating support groups, programs, publications, advocacy and other subjects:

__NATIONAL DBSA WEBSITE__

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John McManemy has a webpage with all varieties of links to information about Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Click the link below:

McMAN'S LINK

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Information on bipolar and depression at www.healthscout.com

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YOUR FREE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SELF-ASSESSMENT
The results of this detailed, customized report will give you new perspectives on the emotional challenges facing you right now.

Midwest Cener for Stress & Anxiety (Harbor, OH)

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TRACK YOUR MOODS AND TUNE YOUR MEDS

Link to Mood Tracker

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GROUP CONTACT PERSONS---Jenny 785.341.3393 or John 785.236.2366 with any questions.

Email: johnfjagger@hotmail.com

COME VISIT OUR GROUP--FOR INFORMATION, FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING. THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN!!!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!------WE'VE BEEN THERE!-----WE CAN HELP!

ARE YOU, A FRIEND OR A LOVED ONE DEALING WITH MAJOR DEPRESSION OR BIPOLAR DISORDER?????

"I never realized how much I needed empathy, wisdom, perspective and guidance from others. I found this more and more in the DBSA group I was attending. I also discovered compassion, objectivity, subtlety and courage. I learned all of this from a warm, loving and wise group of fellow travelers."

IF THIS IS YOU, THEN PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR NEXT MEETING.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!------WE'VE BEEN THERE!-----WE CAN HELP!

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"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an enchanted land, or opened a new doorway to the human spirit.--Helen Keller

"Doubt is the beginning of Wisdom"--F. Scott Peck

"That so few dare to be ECCENTRIC marks one of the chief dangers of our age."--John Stuart Mill

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IF YOU HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR, CONGRATULATIONS!! NOW PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING US AT ONE OF OUR UPCOMING MEETINGS OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ANSWERS OR CONCERNS, CALL JENNY 785.341.3393 OR JOHN AT 785.236.2366

 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The mission of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders by:

  1. Improving recognition, early detection, and diagnosis of mood disorders as treatable medical illnesses.
  2. Helping people successfully manage their disease.
  3. Working with people with mood disorders, families and health care professionals to improve care.
  4. Expanding the ability of people to receive treatment.
  5. Advancing research to improve mood disorder treatment options.
  6. Increasing acceptance and understanding of mood disorders so that the rights of people with mood disorders are protected.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's website is www.dbsalliance.org/ Mailing address--730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7240.
   Phone 1-800 826-3632 or 1-312 642-0049.

"Why should I attend?" Many people find it difficult to do anything that would bring attention to a mental illness that they or a loved-one suffers from. Because of the stigma that society has placed on mental illnesses, fear of discovery overrides any motivational effort that a person might have in overcoming the diseases of the mind. Ironically, major depression, bipolar disorder and the allied affective disorders ARE AMONG THE EASIEST TO TREAT once they are CORRECLY DIAGNOSED by a psychiatrist. But even getting to a doctor and talking about your situation is difficult for some people to do fearing 'what other people might think.'

However, the longer a person waits to get help, the longer the disorder is untreated, the longer you suffer from the disorder,the more diffficult it is to treat.

SO DO IT NOW! Don't go it alone anymore. Give yourself and/or your loved ones a real chance at a meaningful life again.

START NOW-----Start by educating yourself about depression or bipolar disorder... start by going to a support group...start by talking to your doctor...start by tracking your moods...start by talking about your situation to someone you trust..... BUT START SOMEWHERE.

"What is Mental Illness?"

Choosing a Psychiatrist

About Psychiatric Medications

Finding a Psychologist

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Kids Kare Korner for Parents of Bipolar Children School Students

Examples of accommodations helpful to children and adolescents with bipolar disorder include:

  • smaller class size
  • one-on-one or shared special education aide
  • late start to school day if fatigued in the morning
  • modified homework expectations depending on the child's condition
  • recorded books as alternative to reading when concentration is low
  • designation of a "safe place" at school where the child can go when overwhelmed
  • designation of a staff member to whom the child can go as needed
  • unlimited access to drinking water and bathroom
  • curriculum that engages creativity and reduces boredom (for highly creative children)
  • placement in a day hospital treatment program, therapeutic day school or residential treatment center when needed

Want more: www.bpkids.org

Living with Anxiety

Anxiety often occurs along with depression and/or bipolar disorder. The DBSA website, www.dbsalliance.org, has a section on living with anxiety. It discusses medications, self-talk, talk therapy, and other forms of treatment, and also stresses the importance of peer support. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or manic, talking to others may not be the first things you want to do. But DBSA Support Groups are more than talking -- they are places where you can learn about your disorder and find understanding and new ways to cope. If you don't feel up to leaving the house, do everything you can to stay in touch with people. Call someone, send an e-mail or log on to DBSA's Forums or Online Support Groups like ours.