What started as a small meeting in DBSA co-founder Rose Kurland’s living room has grown into the nation’s leading peer advocacy organization supporting those with mood disorders.
DBSA has grown tremendously since its inception, now connecting more than 1.5 million people each year with peer support, education, and resources. DBSA supports more than 20,000 support group meetings, both online and in person, through our 80 local chapters, allowing more than 250,000 people to attend support groups each year. Through our advocacy efforts, we amplify peers’ voices and work toward systemic change in the delivery of mental health care.
In honor of our 40th anniversary, we asked former DBSA leaders to look back on their experiences and the ways the organization has evolved over the past four decades.
What makes DBSA unique and important among mental health advocacy groups is that DBSA authentically and from a first-person perspective represents the challenges and opportunities, the needs and contributions, of people with depression and bipolar disorder. –Allen Doederlein, Past DBSA President
As we reflect on the past 40 years of supporting peers, we also look ahead to the coming decades of making peer support available to all, when and where they need it. We look forward to building brighter futures together.
This year, we’ll recognize and honor special awareness months such as:
- World Bipolar Day (March)
- Mental Health Awareness Month (May)
- Pride Month (June)
- BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month (July)
- Mental Illness Awareness Week (October)
