Welcome to Families for Depression Awareness
Families for Depression Awareness helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides
What is a mood disorder?
“Mood disorders” is a category of mental health conditions that includes all the forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder I and II, and dysthymia. In the U.S. alone, 1 in 5 adults experiences an episode of depression in their lifetime. More than 7 million adults live with bipolar disorder. And between 3 and 4 million teens experience depression every year.
To learn more about how mood disorders affect individuals and families, read our publications.
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
What Do You Need Help With?
Knowing if I’m a “caregiver”
Your support of a person living with depression or bipolar disorder can make a huge difference and help them on the path to wellness. Learn what’s involved in being an effective caregiver.
Knowing my role
There are lots of things you can do to support your loved one. It can be hard to know when you are helping too much or not enough.
Keeping my own stress level down
You can’t pour from an empty glass! You have to take care of yourself if you are going to help anyone else.
Finding a therapist or prescriber
Finding care can be a trial and error process. There are some steps you can take to make the process easier
Managing a Crisis Situation
If your loved one is considering suicide, you need to act quickly. Learn what to look for and how you can help them.
Mood disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting about 20% of people over their lifetime. Depression and bipolar disorder are contributing factors in most suicides. Accessing effective treatment and having the caring support of a family member or friend can mean the difference between a person who gets well and one who dies by suicide.
In the United States:
The number of people who experience a mood disorder in a year
Average hours per week mental health caregivers of adults spend assisting their loved ones
Average delay in years between when symptoms of mental illness appear and treatment begins
Percentage of people treated for depression who start getting better within 4 to 6 weeks
Want to help a loved one? We’ve got what you need to know!
Is someone you love struggling with depression or bipolar disorder and you’re not sure what to do? You’ve come to the right place. Explore our website and resources to find information and strategies to help your loved one get well and stay well.
GET EDUCATED
Our webinars, videos, website, and publications help you build the skills and confidence to be an effective support for your loved one.
GET INVOLVED
Families for Depression Awareness appreciates the volunteers and donors who generously support our mission. You can move us toward a world where people are not afraid to ask for help and where families can stay united as they face life with depression or bipolar disorder.
GET HELP IMMEDIATELY
If your loved one is actively considering suicide or is an imminent risk to self or others, contact crisis support at 800-273-8255 or text