Mother’s Day: Give the Gift of Life
Support Postpartum Depression Legislation
Mother’s Day has been recognized in special ways for thousands of years. It is a good time to reflect on the importance of mothers in our lives.
This year, let’s start a new tradition by showing our appreciation for mothers by supporting Postpartum Depression (PPD) legislation.
The legislation (H.R. 20) and (S. 324) is The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. This legislation will educate and provide new mothers and their families with essential services, increase public awareness, encourage the expansion of research and most importantly, find new and effective treatments.
Each year, 800,000 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. This does not include the 7.5 percent of women who will develop major depression during pregnancy.
Both pieces of legislatiion are named in honor of Melanie Stokes, a 41 year-old Chicago sales manager who took her life after giving birth to her first child. She plunged to her death from the 12th floor ledge of a Chicago hotel as firefighters pleaded with her not to jump. Melanie took her life despite medical assistance and the support of her family and friends.
Also, encourage your friends and family to send letters as well. Letters are already prepared for your use in the DBSA”s Legislative Action Center (LAC). To use the Tell-A-Friend feature, click here.
Remember May is Mental Health Month!
Connect and Be Counted.
Send a Letter Now!
One Person Can Make a Difference.
- REBECCA'S DREAM FAMILY CENTER: Family support is crucial for those affected by depression or bipolar disorder. Visit today.
- FACING US CREATIVITY CENTER: We all strive to live a full, healthy, and happy life. Seek inspiration at Facing Us.
- FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP: ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS: Looking for an online support group?
- SHARE YOUR STORY; EMPOWER YOUR PEERS: Share your story - written or video - help inspire and encourage your peers.
- VIDEO PRESENTATION: National consumer memorial planned
- Get information on DBSA's Peer Specialist continuing education.
- Miss last month's e-Update? Click here to read all the news.
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Davka Fractals Slideshow:
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Important Information
About Smoking
DBSA promotes smoking cessation as a priority of our initiative to improve overall health and wellness for consumers. We offer smoking cessation trainings for consumers, consumer-providers and other mental health care providers.
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Find A Pro
Search for mental health professionals or facilities that have been recommend by individuals living with a mental illness. DBSA launches 'Find A Pro' tool geared for peer recommendations for mental health services. Submit a referral and get a free DBSA lapel pin and be entered to win a Swarovski crystal bracelet!
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May was Mental Health Awareness Month. Even though May has past, you can still check out our calendar and incorporate these tips into your schedule.
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