Mental Health Related Support Groups for Depression / Bipolar Disorder
PN-8100.5000 * YF-5000.5050-170 * YF-5000.5050-100
Mutual support groups whose members are people who have specific social, emotional or other mental health problems. Families and
friends may also be welcome. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to
share information, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the problem.
A mental state of depressed
mood that is characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through
chronic depression (dysthymia) to major depression. In many ways, it resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement including
feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and
sleep disturbances.
A disorder that is marked by episodes of psychotic depression, excessive well-being or mixed episodes alternating
with longer periods of relative normalcy. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated, expansive or irritable moods which are accompanied by
hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility and excessive involvement
in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, which is not recognized. The depressive episodes are characterized by loss of
interest or pleasure in all or almost all usual activities and pastimes, appetite disturbance, change in weight, sleep disturbance, psychomotor
agitation or retardation, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or thinking and thoughts of death or
suicide or suicide attempts. During mixed episoded, the individual experiences rapidly alternating moods of sadness, irritability and
euphoria.