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

Area3.gif = 70 x 216
  DBSA     NAMI     Your Health     Services     Fears     Books     Links           
YOU AREN'T ALONE---------WE CAN HELP Jenny-785.341.3393 John-785.236.2366  
 

WELCOME to the webpage for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance [DBSA] of Manhattan, Kansas.

(The webpage for the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] of Manhattan, Kansas, can be accessed by clicking the NAMI tab above. [second tab from the left])

 

++++++++++++++DBSA FLINTHILLS PROVIDES HOPE HELP SUPPORT+++++++++++++++++

At DBSA, we offer hope, help and support. You are not alone because we've been there and we can help. Please visit our group and find information, understanding and friendship.

Contact persons--Jenny 785.341.3393 or John 785.236.2366. Email address: johnfjagger@hotmail.com

***********WHEN and WHERE***********************

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance [DBSA] of Manhattan Kansas meets on a regular schedule:

 * We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. (We do not meet on a 5th Thursday.)

 * Our meeting time is from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:00-ish, depending... You may come and leave as your schedule allows.

*  We meet at the First Christian Church, 115 Courthouse Plaza, Manhattan, KS. (Corner of Humboldt and Fifth Streets, just west of the Riley County CourtHouse)

* If you need a ride, call Jenny or John.

* After the meeting, some of us go to a restaurant for conversation and coffee. This we call our "meeting after the meeting" and it is more informai. Join us if you can.

********QUOTES BY FAMOUS FOLKS*****************

"May you live all the days of your life."--Jonathan Swift

"What? Me Worry?"--Alfred E. Neuman

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

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal."--Pamela Vaull Starr

**********ABOUT OUR MEETINGS*******************

Our meetings are open and free. Anyone who has major depression or bipolar disorder is welcome. Family and friends are welcome. Anyone who is interested in learning about these disorders is welcome.

At each meeting a trained facilitator will help move the meeting along and make sure that everyone has an opportunity to speak, if they wish. We read the National DBSA meeting guidelines, which are, in three words, confidentiality, respect and kindness. Then everyone briefly introduces themselves or may say "pass." If someone is in crisis they may speak first, if they want to. Then we have our program or personal discussion.

At the first meeting of the month (1st Thursday), we generally have a program which may be a speaker or video. After the program, we have personal discussion (see below.)

The second meeting of the month (3rd Thursday) is devoted to personal discussion. This is when we go around the circle and everyone has a chance to talk about their situation or may say "pass." This is a time to visit and exchange ideas and stories. A time to talk and listen. A time to offer and receive support. We are respectful, kind and recognize the need for confidentiality.

***************UPCOMING MEETINGS/PROGRAMS/OPPORTUNITIES*********

AUGUST 19--The meeting will be devoted to personal discussion--we'll go around the circle and everyone will have a chance to talk about their situation or may say "pass." This is a time to visit and exchange ideas and stories. A time to talk and listen. A time to offer and receive support.

At our August 5 meeting, Ann brought some booklets--work-books, actually, on recovery. She had downloaded them from the National DBSA website (see below.) We talked about goals, negative and positive thoughts and what "recovery" would look like for us. We may continue with that, or, if there is need for discussion, we'll talk.

SEPTEMBER 2--Picnic/potluck at Manhattan City Park. We'll furnish the burgers, brats, hot dogs and drinks. You bring a side dish or two--baked beans, cole slaw, chips, deviled eggs, cookies. A chance to enjoy each other's company and relax. Hope to see you then.

*************DBSA K-STATE/COLLEGE AGE***************

DBSA 'K-STATE' or 'COLLEGE AGE'(+-18--30+-) Currently inactive. We want to re-start a 'College-Age' support group. If you are interested, please contact John at 785.236.2366 or johnfjagger@hotmail.com

We are also interested in starting a MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP at Ft. Riley. If you or someone you know is in the military and could benefit from a support group, get in touch with John at 785.236.2366 or johnfjagger@hotmail.com

*************************************************************************

BELOW ARE SIX LINKS TO INFORMATION ABOUT DEPRESSION/BIPOLAR DISORDER/MOOD TRACKING AND MORE: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. MORNING STAR C.R.O. (Consumer Run Organization) is a drop-in center in Manhattan for consumers (of mental health services.) Open every day, located at 1018 Poyntz; there you'll find computers, a library of books and videos, a TV and a pool table. Best of all, you'll find friendly people who understand what you have been through and are willing to listen and visit. Party every 3rd Saturday. Rides are available. Follow this link:

MORNING STAR C.R.O. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The National DBSA website has information about depression and bipolar disorder, links to help find local support groups, publications, and much more. Follow this link:

NATIONAL DBSA WEBSITE _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.John McManemy has a webpage with all varieties of links to information about depression and bipolar disorder. Follow this link:

McMAN'S LINK

Mr. McManamy spoke at the Kansas State DBSA Conference, Saturday, April 24, 2010, in Manhattan. He had lots of information and we really enjoyed hosting him.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Free anxiety and depression self-assessment. The customized report you can create provides new insights about yourself and the challenges you face. Follow this link:

MIDWEST CENTER FOR STRESS & ANXIETY _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Track your moods and tune your meds. Follow this link:

LINK TO MOOD TRACKER _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Scroll to the far right and then scroll up to find more DBSA information.>>>>>>>---

Note: The links "National DBSA" work.

Note: The link "American Psychiatric Association" connects to a page which says"not found." Click the "Home" tab to take you to their home page. There you'll find many links.

Note: The link "Psychiatric Medications" connects to a page which has two links toward the bottom of the page: "Internet Link" and "Drug Information." Click either for more information.

Beyond that, just surf around and you'll find more information than you ever imagined. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

++++++++EVERY PERSON IS A RESOURCE+++++++++++++

We are always pleased to welcome visitors/new members to our group. Your observations and insights are invaluable. Everyone is a resource. Every person has their own way of experiencing life and their diagnosis (es.) Every person is learning more about their disorder. Come share your insights and knowledge with us. We'll share our insights and knowledge with you. We'll all learn from that exchange. Members who regularly attend our meetings have well over 150 years combined time dealing with major depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. We have been there and have learned some things along the way. You have been there and have learned some things along the way. Come share with us; we'll share with you.

+++++++++COME TO YOUR FIRST MEETING+++++++++++++++++

Some people find that coming to their first meeting can be difficult, particularly if they are new to the diagnosis. Please have a friend or family member come to the meeting with you, if that would make you more comfortable. Call Jenny or John for more information if you have questions.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv THANK YOU vvvvvvvvvvvv

Thank you for visiting our website. We hope that you have found information about our group and, specifically, about major depression and bipolar disorder. Now please join us at one of our meetings.

If you have any questions, please call Jenny at 785.341.3393 or John at 785.236.2366. Email: johnfjagger@hotmail.com

The FlintHills Depression and Bipolar support group of Manhattan, Kansas.

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.

Link to American Psychiatric Association

Link to Psychiatric Medications

---------------------------------------------

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.

More information: 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. You may want to seek professional help. 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, log on to DBSA's Forums and Online Support Groups. You may also find other online support sites or groups.