As the holidays approach, many are thinking about holiday traveling and last-minute Christmas presents.
However, those with depression are faced with figuring out one day at a time how to get through the holidays without feeling down and alone.
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance is a free non-profit peer-led support group for those living with mood disorders. Those who receive support from the group have depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress and anxiety. Family members or friends wanting to support their relatives or friends with the disorders also are encouraged to join the group.The alliance has a national organization with chapters around the U.S.
Cheri Heath, executive director of Warsaw's chapter of group, started the chapter in September.
Heath, 46, Warsaw, has bipolar disorder. While doing online research she discovered information on the national alliance, and decided to start a chapter in Warsaw.
Heath also was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1993.
"I'm a full-time student and starting the group was an attempt to help myself, and reach out and help other people who have bipolar disorder and depression," Heath said.
Currently, there are seven members in Warsaw's chapter.
The group meets Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Canterbury House Apartments club house, 100 St. Augustine Drive, Warsaw.
Meetings also are held at McArthur Counseling Center, 3111 E. Center St., Warsaw, behind Bob Evan's. The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the first and third Thursday of each month, and the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the counseling center.
Joel McArthur, the center's owner, serves as the chapter's professional advisor to answer questions and provide advice on crisis issues.
Members are from Kosciusko and Elkhart counties, and people from other counties also are invited to join. The group is always looking for new members.
During the meetings, those who attend are encouraged to talk about challenges they are dealing with or something they experienced during the week.
Toni Lynn Butts, 43, Warsaw, and her brother Jimmy Bouterse, 52, both of Warsaw, have been members of Warsaw's chapter since September. Bouterse joined the group in September, and informed his sister about the group.
He was referred to the group by a counselor at McArthur Counseling where he is receiving counseling services.
"It's nice to be able to speak on different topics that are of interest and it's really helped me," Bouterse said.
Butts has depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress syndrome, and said the group has been a big support system for her.
Butts was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in May.
"You need to be around people that know about the disorder and understand you and can talk to you and tell you what they are going through," Butts said.
Butts said some people with depression struggle with thoughts of suicide during the holidays.
"Days are darker earlier, and people don't get enough sunlight," Butts said.
She said during the holidays she tends to hibernate, and sometimes closes off from family.
Butts said the group gives her hope, and encourages her to take charge of her life.
The group does not provide medical advice, but allows members to discuss what they are going through with one another.
For more information about the group, call Heath at 574-527-3219 or e-mail warsawdbs@gmail.com or visit the chapter's Web site, www.dbsalliance.org/warsaw
