Tough
economy leads to increased rates of depression and mania: DBSA provides
critical support to Houstonians
As has been reported in a number of news outlets, the
current economic recession has been the direct cause of many people
experiencing depression and/or manic episodes for the first time in
their lives. Not to mention the 23 million Americans who already
struggle to manage their mood disorders every day, without the added
stress from the current crisis in the housing, credit and financial
markets. Mental illness is more prevalent than cancer, lung disease and
heart disease combined. According to the November 2007 Harris County
Mental Health Needs and Services Assessment, in the Greater Houston area
alone, over 500,000 adults and 186,000 children have a diagnosed mental
illness. And nearly 30% (over 147,000) of these adults and 58% (108,000)
of children suffer from a severe mental illness, which includes
depression and bipolar disorder.
According to Federal Reserve Chairman,
Ben Bernanke, unemployment has continued to increase as financial
markets suffer and business and consumers have been forced to cut back
spending. As a result, economic problems have led to psychological
problems for many in our nation and in our own Houston community.
Unanticipated or dramatic changes in life have the documented ability to
alter the chemical balance in one’s brain thus causing many to
experience a severe bout of depression or mania for their first time in
their lives. Feelings such as helplessness, anxiety, irritability and
fear about current and potential problems only serve to fuel the fire
burning inside one’s mind. It is very important for people in these
circumstances to reach out for help in extinguishing that fire in order
to bring about stability in their lives once more.
The Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance (DBSA) Greater Houston serves as a vital component of an
essential support system for people who struggle with these emotions,
regardless of the cause. Since 2004, DBSA Greater Houston has been the
leading patient-directed organization to focus on the two most prevalent
mental illnesses facing Americans today: depression and bipolar
disorder. DBSA Greater Houston sponsors over 60 free support
groups across the Houston metropolitan area to assist in the recovery of
those who are affected by depression or bipolar disorder, including the
diagnosed, family members, friends and caregivers.
As the largest chapter of the national
organization, DBSA Greater Houston fosters an environment of
understanding about the impact and management of these two mental
illnesses by utilizing a model of care that independent research has
shown to significantly improve one’s management of and recovery from a
mood disorder. DBSA Greater Houston has been aiding in that management
and recovery for years, and has expanded its services to any Houstonian
in need during this critical time and in the future.
“DBSA Greater Houston sponsored
support groups offer so much more than support. They also provide
education, comfort, acceptance and empowerment to its participants. Most
of all, our support groups provide the understanding of those who know
the unique pain that can come with depression or bipolar disorder and
the triumph that can be achieved with the support of others.” says
Executive Director Glenn Urbach.
“There is no doubt that the
financial times have caused a number in our community to be in even
greater need of mental health services, many for the first time in their
lives” says Urbach. “That, combined with the lingering aftermath of
Hurricane Ike, may leave our community with an unprecedented number of
individuals dealing with the illnesses we address. We remain 100%
committed to helping those individuals and their families return to a
normal life even in these difficult times.”
Depression
and Bipolar Support Alliance - Greater Houston
3800 Buffalo
Speedway, Suite 300
Houston, Texas
77098
www.dbsahouston.org
713.600.1131
