“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
—Japanese proverb
Clinical depression is a serious, complex and often deadly illness. Fortunately, many excellent books, organizations and Web sites now exist that can lead the sufferer and his family out of the darkness. What follows is a compilation of resources that I have found to be particularly helpful in my recovery. I recommend these materials in the hopes that you, too, may receive healing and inspiration from them.
Healing On-line: Internet Sites for Depression and Other Mood Disorders
I am a lover of books. As a writer of 21 years, books are my favorite means of learning about the world. But when I became depressed and my ability to concentrate was limited, I discovered another pathway to knowledge—the Internet. In the late evening when the black cloud lifted enough to give me few moments of respite, I would turn on my Macintosh computer and surf the Net to gain valuable tips from my fellow sufferers.
The Internet is one of the best sources of information about depression and mental disorders (if not the best) that is available to the general public. Hundreds of sites (as well as support groups) offer compassionate, common-sense, and clinically up-to-date help and support.
The following sites will start you on your journey toward healing. I have personally visited each of these locations and testify to their excellence. Many of them have links to other sites, which have links to more sites—and so on. The resources are endless.
One final note. Internet sites are constantly being updated and revised. These URL addresses are current as of November, 2009. If you discover that any of them have changed, please E-mail me (dbloch@teleport.com) and I will make the appropriate corrections for the next edition of this book.
Internet Mental Health
http://www.mentalhealth.com
This site functions as a World Wide Web mental health page. The goal of this site is to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness throughout the world. One of its special features is that it offers descriptions, treatments, and research findings for the 52 most common mental disorders. It also lists the 67 most common psychiatric drugs, including: indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse effects, dosage, and research findings. This site also has a links page that will connect you with over 100 other mental health web sites that offer free mental health information.
Dr. Ivan's Depression Central
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html
This site is one of the Internet's central clearinghouses for information on all types of depressive disorders and on the most effective treatments for individuals suffering from major depression, manic depression (bipolar disorder), cyclothymia, dysthymia and other mood disorders. It contains an amazing amount of information, more than I have seen in any single book volume.
the Anxiety Panic internet resource (tAPir)
http://www.algy.com/anxiety
This is a grassroots project involving thousands of people interested in anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, phobias, shyness, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior and post- traumatic stress disorder. It is a self-help network, replete with an on-line bookstore, that is dedicated to overcoming and curing anxiety disorders.
Depression.com
http://www.depression.com
Another good web site that contains a wide array of information on depression. The site is supported in part by a grant from Bristol-Meyer-Squibb, so there may be a slight bias toward medication.
Haveaheart's Home
http://www.have-a-heart.com
This web site contains several articles on depression and manic depression, written by someone who has struggled with his own depression and suicidal thoughts.
Suicide Help
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide
This is an excellent resource which I read when I was suicidal. The writer compassionately takes you by the hand and describes why and how you should hold on to life, even in the face of overwhelming pain. This site was one of the factors that prevented me from taking my life.
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
http://www.save.org
E-mail: save@winternet.com
(612) 946-7998
This is the web site for SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), whose mission is to educate others about suicide and to speak for suicide survivors. I also visited this Internet site when I was suicidal and found it to be extremely helpful.
The Samaritans
http://www.samaritansnyc.org
The Samaritans United States home page, which describes their services in support of suicidal individuals.
Wing of Madness
http://www.wingofmadness.com
Another good web site that contains a plethora of information on depression and mood disorders.
Pendulum Resource Center for Bipolar Illness
http://www.pendulum.org
A great site for everything you would want to know about manic depression.
Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms
http://www.websciences.org/sltbr
Visit this site to learn about the current research on light therapy for the treatment of biological rhythm disorders.
Finally, here are two web sites on sleep and sleep disorders.
http://www.sleepnet.com
http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/
Mental Health Advocacy and Consumer Organizations
Many organizations are dedicated to providing healing information and support to those who suffer from mood disorders and other types of emotional pain. Contact the following agencies for information about depression, sources of treatment, and local community support groups.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Colonial Place 3
Arlington, VA 22201
(800) 950-NAMI
http://www.nami.org
The nation's voice on mental illness, NAMI is the national umbrella organization for more than 1,000 local support and advocacy groups for families and individuals affected by serious mental illnesses. Contact them to learn more about groups in your area, as well as how to connect with local affiliates.
National Foundation for Depressive Illness
PO Box 2257
New York, NY 10016
(800) 239-1265
http://www.depression.org
Refers people to physicians who treat depression using biological (i.e., antidepressant) therapies.
Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance
730 North Franklin, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
(800) 82-NDMDA
http://www.dbsa.org
A nonprofit group that provides educational information about depressive and bipolar illness. Call for support groups.
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 700
New York, NY 10151
(212) 223-4040
http://www.dana.org/brainweb
This organization supports cutting-edge research on a number of brain diseases and disorders, including depression.
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD)
60 Cutter Mill Rd., Suite 200
Great Neck, NY 11021
(516) 829-0091
http://www.narsad.org
Raises funds for research on mental illness. Also provides informational brochures.
National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 969-NMHA
http://www.nmha.org
Established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers, the NMHA is dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders through advocacy, education, research, and service. Over 330 affiliates nationwide. Call for literature.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
11900 Parklawn Dr., Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 231-9350
http://www.adaa.org
A non-profit organization that contains a number of excellent self-help publications, books and tapes on healing from anxiety disorders.
National Mental Health Consumer Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut St., Suite 1207
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(800) 553-4539
(215) 751-1820
http://www.mhselfhelp.org
This organization disseminates information to mental health consumers on how to start one's own mental health self-help group and how to locate self-help groups in your local area.
Enviro-Med
1600 SE 141st Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
(800) 222-3296
http://www.bio-light.com
e-mail: info@bio-light.com
Offers light systems for the treatment of biological rhythm disorders—e.g., seasonal affective disorder and sleep disturbances due to jet lag and change in work schedules.
SunBox Company
19217 Orbit Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
(800) 548-3968
http://www.sunboxco.com
e-mail: sunbox@aol.com
Offers bright light therapy units for the treatment of biological rhythm disorders, as well as dawn simulators that will create the experience of sunrise indoors.
For information about light therapy contact: NIMH Seasonal Studies Program
Building 10, Rm 4S-239
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(800) 421-4211
The Northwest Neurodevelopmental Training Center
P.O. Box 406
Woodburn, OR 97071
(503) 981-0635
email: nntc@open.org
http://www.nwneuro.info
This center investigates possible brain injuries or developmental dysfunctions in the nervous system as possible causes of mental and emotional disorders.
Suicide Prevention Organizations
The following groups are dedicated to providing information about suicide prevention, and support for those who are suicidal.
American Association of Suicidology
4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 408
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 237-2280
(202) 237-2282 fax
http://www.suicidology.org
This group offers books, pamphlets, journals and workshops on suicide prevention.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Toll free (888) 333-AFSP
(212) 363-6237 fax
http://www.afsp.org
This foundation funds research, education and treatment programs aimed at the prevention of suicide.
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
PO Box 24507
Minneapolis, MN 55424
(612) 946-7998
http://www.save.org/index.html
This mission of this organization is to educate others about suicide and to speak for suicide survivors. I also visited their Internet site when I was suicidal and found it to be extremely helpful.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Toll free (800) SUICIDE
The nationwide toll-free suicide hotline under the auspices of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides free 24-hour crisis counseling. The hotline was originally founded by the Kristin Brooks Hope Center and more information and links can be found at www.hopeline.com.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Toll free (800) 273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The nationwide toll-free suicide hotline provides free 24-hour crisis counseling for people who are suicidal or who are suffering the pain of depression. Confidentiality is assured. Case management is also offered to connect people with healing resources in their local communities.
The Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline
(617) 247-0220; (212) 673-3000; (401) 272-4044
www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The Samaritans are a UK (United Kingdom) charity, founded in 1953, which exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing, and to increase public awareness of issues around suicide and depression. This service is provided 24 hours every day by trained volunteers. It is free. You are guaranteed absolute confidentiality and that you will not be judged. Your email will be answered within 24 hours. I have also listed some phone numbers that can be called from anywhere in the United States.
Covenant House Nineline
346 W. 17th Street
New York, NY 10011
(800) 999-9999
http://www.covenanthouse.org
This hotline provides crisis intervention, support and referrals for youth in crisis—i.e., for runaways, abandoned youth, and those who are depressed or suicidal. Help is also available for adults.
Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide
(202) 690-7694
(202) 690-6960 fax
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov
In June of 1999, the Surgeon General of the United States defined suicide as a “major public health problem.” Consequently, the surgeon general's office has developed a national strategy for suicide prevention. For a free copy of the report, visit the web site or call.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Suicide Research Consortium
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/suicide.htm
This branch of the National Institute of Mental Health coordinates program development in suicide research across the country and disseminates science-based information on suicidology to the public, media, and policymakers.
12-Step/Recovery Groups
Call these groups for meeting locations in your area.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Service Office
475 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10115
(212) 870-3400
http://www.aa.org
Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office
P.O. Box 9999
Van Nuys, CA 91409
(818) 773-9999
http://www.na.org
Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office
P.O. Box 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 559-5883
(310) 559-2554 fax
e-mail: cawso@ca.org
http://www.ca.org
Al-Anon and Alateen Family Group Headquarters
1600 Corporate Landing Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(800) 344-2666
(757) 563-1655 fax
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
Al-Anon and Alateen are offshoots of AA, and are designed to support families and friends of alcoholics or those dealing with substance abuse. Call for meeting locations in your area.
Emotions Anonymous World Service Office
P.O. Box 4245
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 647-9712
(651) 647-1593 fax
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org
Emotions Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship composed of people who come together in weekly meetings for the purpose of working toward recovery from a wide variety of emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety. Call for meeting locations.
Overeaters Anonymous World Service Office
6075 Zenith Court NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 891-2664
(505) 891-4320 fax
e-Mail: overeatr@technet.nm.org
http://www.oa.org
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NACDI)
111426-28 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(800) 729-6686
http://www.healthfinder.gov/orgs/HR0027.htm
NCADI is the world's largest resource for current information and materials concerning substance abuse.
Associations of Mental Health Professionals
These professional organizations can be contacted for referrals to mental health professionals in your area.
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 682-6220
http://www.psych.org
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5800
http://www.apa.org
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(800) 638-8799
http://www.socialworkers.org
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
33 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 645-9810
http://www.asch.net
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
1133 Fifteenth Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 452-0109
http://www.aamft.org
American Association of Pastoral Counselors
9504-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22301
(703) 385-6967
http://www.aapc.org
American Mental Health Alliance (AMHA)
e-mail: AMHA@mental-health-coop.com
(877) 264-2007 (toll free)
http://www.americanmentalhealth.com
AMHA is a growing grassroots national alliance of over 2,000 mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, and other licensed mental-health practitioners. Its goal is to develop a caring and respectful mental healthcare delivery system that provides an alternative to the managed care systems.
Telephone Prayer Ministries
The turning point in my healing from depression came when a group of people started to pray for me. In addition to receiving support from the LEC group, I called a number of telephone prayer ministries and asked them to hold a vision of my wellness.
I believe that such telephone ministries perform a valuable service to all who seek prayer support. Having a prayer partner is not only consoling, the presence of “two or more” souls activates an energy field that can attract Divine healing and grace. Please feel free to use the following resources as Spirit directs you.
Silent Unity
1901 NW Blue Parkway
Unity Village, MO 64065
(800) 669-7729
(816) 251-3554 fax
e-mail: unity@unityworldhq.org
The granddaddy of prayer ministries was founded in 1890 by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore as the “Society of Silent Help.” Initially, all requests for prayer arrived by mail, but soon people turned to the telephone and called in their prayers. Today, telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you will speak to a live person who will respond to your request with an affirmative prayer treatment. Your request will be prayed over for 30 days by the Silent Unity prayer team. In addition, you may ask to be sent a healing affirmation and support literature.
World Ministry of Prayer
3251 West Sixth Street
P.O. Box 75127
Los Angeles, CA 90075-0127
(213) 385-0209
(213) 388-1926 fax
(800) 421-9600
e-mail: inquiry@wmop.org
http://www.wmop.org
Run by the Church of Religious Science, this live 24-hour prayer line functions like that of Silent Unity. When you call, a person will pray with you over your request. The prayer team will hold you in the light for the next 30 days and will send you a letter of support, as well as two or three affirmations. This is an excellent prayer ministry.
Inspiration for Better Living 24 Hour Ear-to-Ear Prayer Ministry
11901 S. Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 568-1717
Another fine 24-hour prayer line. Someone will speak to you in person and send you a prayer response, including an affirmation. You might also request their “Daily Inspiration for Better Living,” a series of daily affirmations and meditations for each month.
Christ Church Unity Prayer Ministry
3770 Altadena Avenue
San Diego, CA 92195
(619) 282-7609
Run by the Christ Church Unity in San Diego, this 24-hour telephone prayer line was designed to serve the congregants of the church, but receives requests from the entire Southern California area, as well as the rest of the country. I have visited their Prayer Tower, which is filled with a consciousness of light and love. You will receive a written response to your prayer request which will be prayed over for 30 days.