Hi – I’m Stacey Leibowitz and I’m delighted to be your blog host.
I’m a project manager with Families for Depression Awareness, and I’m very pleased to provide you with information that can help support and sustain you as you struggle with your loved one affected by depression and/or bipolar disorder.
I’m charged with getting our online community up and running as soon as possible so you can take full advantage of the resources you’ll find here.
We’re getting ready to set up discussion forums where people like you can talk about the things only you can understand: the daily struggles, dealing with medications, finding something positive in each day and finding support for all that you do.
But first things first. We need you to tell us what you’d like to address in a discussion forum, and in my blog.
Please post your comments on this blog to let me know what will help you in this community. Do you wish to talk about a particular concern in your life? A common misconception people have about your loved one and the depression? Great books or articles you’ve found that help you? You tell us.
Initially, we’re planning to offer two discussion forums or discussion boards: one is focused on depression and the other is focused on bipolar disorder.
- Our forums will be moderated for content, questions and overall continuity of discussions.
- No post will go unanswered for over 24 hours.
- If a volunteer moderator is not available, one of the FFDA staff will answer the posting if no one else does.
- The discussion boards will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Also, we expect people to be polite and will remove anyone who is inappropriate with language, trying to sell anything, or bullying other participants.
I’ll be posting blogs regularly on topics related to support for family and friends affected by depression and bipolar disorder. Again, I’d love it if you would suggest topics and post your own comments or ideas at any time.
Welcome to our family. I look forward to “meeting you” online soon!
-- Stacey
4 comments:
Just being able to "talk" to others going through the same things (mood swings, med changes, ups and downs, etc.) would be wonderful. And giving and getting encouragement.
My mother was diagnosed with bi-polar over thirty years ago - then it was called manic depressive disorder - she has chosen to ignore her conditin all these years. Now in her 80's, it seems impossible to trust her in conversations. She alienates most people - I love her but recognize we will never have a "real" relationship. Wondering if there is a support group (on line) for mature children of old parents where ideas on improving the quality of relationship in spite of the condition is discussed.
I am a spouse, and it would be nice to just have others to blog with who are going through the same things.
I am a spouse too and I echo Rissa's comments. It would be really nice to be able to share with others experiencing the same thing.
I also wonder about the effectiveness of treatment. Specifically: 1) How involved should I be the treatment my depressed husband is receiving? If he had cancer I would be present at all his appointments as his advocate and best friend. Obviously being present at all his counseling sessions is not advisable but I don't think being totally removed from everything is best either. My reading tells me that I am important in the healing process. So, how involved should I be in his treatment?
2) What results can be expected from counseling sessions? How many counseling sessions are usually necessary? It there as specified number or is it normal for a person to see a counselor for years without any lasting behavioral changes?
3) How do women who are married to men who are depressed cope with the fact that their husbands are not earning an income?
Any ideas would be welcome.
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