DepressionIsReal.org Press Release

(CHICAGO- Sept. 14, 2006) The Chicago-based Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is joining forces with six prominent physician, patient and civic nonprofit organizations to form the Depression is Real Coalition, it was announced at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., today.

The new coalition launched a public awareness campaign titled “Depression Is Real” which reinforces the reality that depression is a serious, debilitating disease that can be fatal if left untreated. The campaign seeks to counter confusing messages in popular culture that claim depression is “simply the blues” or a “made-up disease.” Coalition activities include public service announcements, print and radio ads along with the DepressionisReal.org Web site.

“The formation of this coalition signifies an important step toward bringing more national focus on depression,” DBSA President Sue Bergeson said. “We are honored to be aligned with such powerful organizations who share a mission of conveying a message of hope for those who are currently diagnosed, as well as educating Americans to the fact that depression is a real, treatable medical illness.”

According to the National Institute of National Health, nearly 19 million Americans suffer from depression which can have high costs for individuals, their families and society.

As the nation’s leading patient-direct organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorder, DBSA seeks to improve the lives of those living with mood disorders through increased education, support groups and advocacy.

The Depression Is Real Coalition consists of DBSA along with: the American Psychiatric Foundation, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Alliance of Mental Illness, National Medical Association, National Mental Health Association and the National Urban League.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorder. The organization, which has more than 1,000 support groups nationwide, fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information. Assisted by a 65-member scientific advisory board, comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. More than 4 million individuals receive information and assistance each year. For more information, please visit www.DBSAlliance.org or call 800/826-3632.

Visit the Depression Is Real Web site for information at:
http://www.depressionisreal.org/