How your gift
makes a difference
You help us reach families in need. Families dealing
with depressive disorders live in secrecy and silence. They
are isolated and don’t know how to reach out for the
help they so desperately need. Here are some of comments
that we received from families we’ve helped:
“I have a daughter who is sixteen who has been
diagnosed with bipolar disorder. You have been an invaluable
source of information, help, and support. Thank you for
bringing depression out of the dark and into the light.”
— Loretta
“Your understanding and support has been an important
factor in keeping us going during these difficult past
few months.” — Gary
“Your web site has been the single most accessible,
compact resource I have found about manic depression.”
— Charles
You help us reduce stigma. We seek to make depressive
disorders something that people can talk about. We work
to remove the mystery and anxiety about depression, and
help families recognize it as an illness that is both common
and treatable. We show how many families have dealt successfully
with episodes of depressive illness through our Family
Profiles. We also realize that not all outcomes of depressive
illness are successful, and we deal realistically and compassionately
with issues of long-term disability and suicide.
You help families learn that depression is a family
condition. Depressive disorders are not confined to
the afflicted individual, but also extend to the individual’s
family members. Of the over 19 million Americans who suffer
from depression each year, the majority live with spouses
and children. Family members of those who are depressed
urgently need education and support. Family members are
often the ones who help the depressed because the depressed
are unable to help themselves or are reluctant to get help.
Families for Depression Awareness is unique in its focus
on helping the entire family, including family caregivers,
recognize and cope with depressive disorders. Our media
campaigns, educational events, and Family Profiles
help the entire family cope.
Families for Depression Awareness is making a difference.
In less than three years we have become a nationally recognized
organization for families dealing with depression. Thousands
of people visit our web site, www.familyaware.org,
each month to find information and guidance for themselves
or a family member. We mail free brochures, promote our
Family Profiles, write stories and give interviews
for national newspaper and magazine articles, organize educational
events and conferences, and advocate on behalf of families.
In the coming year we are pursuing many exciting initiatives.
These include:
- Creating a Depression Monitoring Kit to help families
monitor their depression treatment and get well.
- Developing new Family Profiles illustrating how to recognize
and cope with depression.
- Promoting and enhancing our web site, brochures, and
media campaigns to reach new audiences nationwide.
We all agree that families are the backbone of our society.
Supporting families who are dealing with depression just
makes good sense. I hope that you will be able to help us
reach more families in crisis. If you have more questions,
please contact us at (781) 890-0220 or info@familyaware.org.
Make a contribution to Families
for Depression Awareness.
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