CU DBSA Mission

OUR MISSION

DBSA provides hope, help, support, and education to improve people whose lives are affected by mood disorders. This includes family and friends. DBSA of Urbana-Champaign is a peer-run support group for those individuals dealing with mood disorders.

Gives you the opportunity to reach out to others and benefit from the experience of those who have been there.
Motivates you to follow your treatment plan.
Helps you understand that a mood disorder does not define who you are.
Helps you rediscover strengths and humor you may have thought you had lost.
Provides a forum for mutual acceptance, understanding, and self-discovery.

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. It is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person's mood can alternate between the "poles" of mania (highs) and depression (lows). These changes in mood, or "mood swings," can last for hours, days, weeks or months.

Signs of Depression

Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
Unexplained aches and pains
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Loss of interest in sexual activity

Signs of Mania

Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
Impulsiveness, poor judgment, easily distracted
Reckless behavior
In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Increased sexual activity