Webinars

Personal Insights: Unpacking the Power of Psychiatric Advance Directives

Resolving the who, what, when, and how of treatment decisions during a mental health crisis can cause anxiety for caregivers and their loved ones. The person living with a mental health condition may worry about who will make decisions on their behalf, while the caregiver may wonder if decisions they need to make will reflect their loved one’s preferences and priorities. A written mental health crisis plan can alleviate anxiety and eliminate the guesswork for everyone involved.

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A place to learn

At Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA), we focus on the families of people living with depression or bipolar disorder ("mood disorders"), equipping family caregivers with education and training so they can provide effective, constructive support to their loved ones.

Mood disorders affect everyone in a family, not only those with the diagnosis. Each family member should be able to have their needs identified and addressed.

In addition to passing along a higher likelihood of having a mood disorder, parents living with a mood disorder can find it hard to engage with their children, take care of household chores, do their work, and sometimes even to get out of bed.

 

Family caregivers risk wearing themselves out as they help their loved one seek treatment, manage the household and the family, and try to keep a roof over their heads.

Since our beginning, we have shared family stories to help caregivers feel like they are not alone, show that families can address mood disorders together, inspire hope, and dispel stigma. Each year, we add to our library of honest and inspiring accounts of families facing the challenges of mood disorders and suicide.

Multiracial family hugging at beach

Helping Teens Heal From Trauma

Trauma among teens is more common than you might believe. By the age of sixteen, approximately one-quarter (25%) of children and adolescents have experienced at least one traumatic event. As a caring adult, you have an important role to play in aiding them as they heal.

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Group of People Sitting Together

Part 2: Creating a Circle of Support with Your Loved One

In part 2 of this series, we highlight the importance of the support network for both you as a caregiver and your loved one living with depression. Unlike a treatment team, this network consists of people within a community who provide support with emotional, spiritual, and/or practical challenges.

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Black Couple in Therapy

Part 1: Building a Treatment Team with Your Loved One

Part 1 of this series focuses on the treatment team,  the network of providers and other professionals who support your loved one’s care. Hear from mental health providers about how they’re involved in your loved one’s care, what you can do to help your loved one connect with them, and what you can expect your role to be.

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Two Women Therapist Office

Avoiding Depression Treatment Pitfalls

Helping your loved one get treatment for their mental health condition can be time-consuming, confusing, and frustrating. There are steps you can take as a caregiver to make the process of getting treatment easier.

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