Young Adult Council

The DBSA Young Adult Council (YAC) is a group of 18–30-year-olds who meet monthly to assist in developing unique resources to support other young adults living with mood disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder. YAC members use their own lived experience of a mood disorder to help inform the way that DBSA provides hope, help, support and education for this group.

Resources created by YAC

Chronic Conditions and Mental Health

Many people who experience depression or bipolar disorder also live with other health concerns. In this Q&A, DBSA’s Young Adult Council members share their experiences balancing a mood disorder with a chronic health condition.

Learn about balancing chronic conditions and a mood disorder

Questions To Ask at Your First Therapy Appointment

Whether you’re going to therapy for the first time or searching for a new provider, your first appointment can be overwhelming. The  Young Adult Council created a printable list to help you feel more prepared.

Explore the list

12 FAQs about Medication and Mood Disorders

Many safe and effective medications can be part of treatment plans for mood disorders. Five members of DBSA’s Young Adult Council share their experiences with medication, from starting a prescription to switching doses to misconceptions.

Read the FAQs

10 Grounding Strategies To Help You Redirect Your Thoughts

Grounding techniques are tools you can use to redirect your thoughts or bring yourself back to the present moment when you’re experiencing unwanted thoughts. Grounding techniques can be useful in several situations. You may find them especially helpful if you experience anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, or intrusive thoughts.

Get the strategies

Finding the right therapist

Finding the right therapist is no easy task. When you are not feeling your best, this can often feel insurmountable. You are not alone. This new series from the Young Adult Council will share the experiences of other DBSA community members who have been there, too.

Read Mason’s story

Read MJ’s story

Read Nak’s story

Looking for more?

See all the resources for young adults here.

Discover More

Young Adult Council Members

Officers

Olivia Eiler, Chair
Louisville, Kentucky

Lauren Yang, Vice Chair
San José, California 

Jamie Vaughn, Secretary
Orlando, Florida

 

MJ (Mary Jane) C., (past Chair)
Seattle, Washington

Sonam V.
St. Louis, MO

Amy Rose
Long Island, New York

Carlee M.
Boise, Idaho

Gwyneth M.
Washington, DC

Maddison B.
Chicago, Illinois

Angelica P.
Spokane, Washington

Emery S.

Ying Y.
New York, New York

Jazmine B.
San Bernardino, California

Sierra P.
New York, New York

Sam
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Morgan C.

Sadie
Washington, DC

Shanelle J.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James K.
Houston, Texas

Jose V.
Chicago, Illinois

Join YAC

We are looking to grow the Council. If you’re an individual aged 18-30 interested in learning more about the DBSA Young Adult Council, please contact YACmembership@DBSAlliance.org for more information. Otherwise, you can submit an application to join.

Join YAC