If you are in crisis there are several great options:
1. Call 911 and optionally ask for a Crisis Intervention Team. They have special training.
2. Call Colorado Crisis Services crisis line 1-844-493-TALK (8255). You have the option of talking to a peer specialist, or to a masters level counselor.
3. Go to a Colorado Crisis Services walk in clinic. See ColoradoCrisisServices.org for details. You can just talk, voluntarily stay overnight, or stay a couple days. There is a psychiatrist on duty for med changes. The closest to Broomfield is the Westminster Walk In Center 84th Neighborhood Health Center at 2551 West 84th Ave. At least four members have had positive experiences with these services.
4. Call Mental Health Partners (MHP) emergency psychiatric services counselor 24/7 for both Adults and Children at 303-447-1665.
5. Go to the Mental Health Partners walk in center located in Boulder at 3180 Airport Road.
6. Become better educated about suicide here.
Donations are gratefully accepted and are used to cover web hosting, annual DBSA re-affiliation, state of Colorado registration, and facilitation materials.
Introduction
DBSA Boulder is a peer lead support organization for people experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. This includes those with symptoms, friends/family, and care givers. We offer weekly in person support groups in both Boulder and Broomfield, links to resources at the national DBSA web site here, as well as the resources on this web site.
To contact us please email boulderdbsa@gmail.com or leave voice mail at 720 443 2849. These are only checked every few days so there may be a delay in responding. To be placed on our email list for meeting cancellation notices and rarely informational emails please request that by emailing the address above.
DBSA Boulder is a peer lead support organization for people experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. This includes those with symptoms, friends/family, and care givers. We offer weekly in person support groups in both Boulder and Broomfield, links to resources at the national DBSA web site here, as well as the resources on this web site.
To contact us please email boulderdbsa@gmail.com or leave voice mail at 720 443 2849. These are only checked every few days so there may be a delay in responding. To be placed on our email list for meeting cancellation notices and rarely informational emails please request that by emailing the address above.
Meetings
NOTICE: July 26th Broomfield meeting is cancelled
Boulder: Sundays 6:00pm to 7:30pm 2855 Folsom, Boulder CO 80304. This is the Unity church at the South West corner of Folsom and Valmont. There are two parallel meetings the second Sunday of the month. So, the first Sunday meeting is just for depressed/bipolar people. This second Sunday has two parallel meetings, one for just depressed/bipolar people, also one for just friends/family/caregivers. The third is just depressed/bipolar people. The fourth is one combined depressed/bipolar people and friends/family/caregivers meeting.
Broomfield: Thursdays 6:30pm to 8pm 825 Kohl Street, Broomfield CO 80020. This is the United Church of Christ. The fourth Thursday of the month adds friends/family/caregivers.
Social gathering: Monday 6:30pm Pho Duy 6600 West 120th Ave Broomfield CO 80020. Most Mondays we will be there, though some we are not. Some of the staff know us as "the Monday group".
For the support meetings, there will be brightly colored signs posted on the church door and along the path to the meeting room. Please make a name tag when you arrive to help us remember each other's name.
Meetings are facilitated by peer volunteers that have been trained, but are not professionals. Their role is primarily to make sure meeting guidelines are followed and time is equally allocated. These meetings are not a replacement for therapy or other treatments. We are not affiliated with any religious organization and are free of charge although donations are gratefully accepted. This is a casual, low key, time of conversation on topics you bring to the meeting. We recognize life can be hectic and coming for the first time can take great courage so it is okay to arrive late, just listen, and leave early.
A typical meeting starts with us sitting in small circle of chairs. We start by reading a welcome message, meeting description, and guidelines we follow. The guidelines can be summarized as being respectful and not telling others what to do. Then people "check in" if they want, with their first name, diagnosis and date, how they are doing on a scale of 1-10, and if there is a topic they want to discuss. A topic can be a question, a need to vent, or anything else. While we at times discuss suicidal ideation, we are not equipped for immediate crisis and disallow describing specifics. Then we jump into conversation on those topics and new ones that come up. At the end we make sure everyone feels okay to go home.
NOTICE: July 26th Broomfield meeting is cancelled
Boulder: Sundays 6:00pm to 7:30pm 2855 Folsom, Boulder CO 80304. This is the Unity church at the South West corner of Folsom and Valmont. There are two parallel meetings the second Sunday of the month. So, the first Sunday meeting is just for depressed/bipolar people. This second Sunday has two parallel meetings, one for just depressed/bipolar people, also one for just friends/family/caregivers. The third is just depressed/bipolar people. The fourth is one combined depressed/bipolar people and friends/family/caregivers meeting.
Broomfield: Thursdays 6:30pm to 8pm 825 Kohl Street, Broomfield CO 80020. This is the United Church of Christ. The fourth Thursday of the month adds friends/family/caregivers.
Social gathering: Monday 6:30pm Pho Duy 6600 West 120th Ave Broomfield CO 80020. Most Mondays we will be there, though some we are not. Some of the staff know us as "the Monday group".
For the support meetings, there will be brightly colored signs posted on the church door and along the path to the meeting room. Please make a name tag when you arrive to help us remember each other's name.
Meetings are facilitated by peer volunteers that have been trained, but are not professionals. Their role is primarily to make sure meeting guidelines are followed and time is equally allocated. These meetings are not a replacement for therapy or other treatments. We are not affiliated with any religious organization and are free of charge although donations are gratefully accepted. This is a casual, low key, time of conversation on topics you bring to the meeting. We recognize life can be hectic and coming for the first time can take great courage so it is okay to arrive late, just listen, and leave early.
A typical meeting starts with us sitting in small circle of chairs. We start by reading a welcome message, meeting description, and guidelines we follow. The guidelines can be summarized as being respectful and not telling others what to do. Then people "check in" if they want, with their first name, diagnosis and date, how they are doing on a scale of 1-10, and if there is a topic they want to discuss. A topic can be a question, a need to vent, or anything else. While we at times discuss suicidal ideation, we are not equipped for immediate crisis and disallow describing specifics. Then we jump into conversation on those topics and new ones that come up. At the end we make sure everyone feels okay to go home.
Resources:
Colorado Crisis Services/Boulder Mental Health Partner crisis line 1-844-493-TALK (8255).
ORGANIZATIONS
Colorado Crisis Services(CCS) Colorado's state wide mental health crisis services. There are crisis call lines to reach a peer just to talk with, or if in immediate crisis a masters level clinician to work with. There are also walk in crisis centers. CCS IS SEPARATE FROM MENTAL HEAL PARTNERS BELOW.
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) national web site.
Mayo clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.
Mental Health Partners(MHP) is Boulder and Broomfields county's mental health services. MHP IS SEPARATE FROM COLORADO CRISIS CENTER ABOVE. Mental Health Partners has a 24/7/365 Walk-In Center at 3180 Airport Rd., Boulder, for immediate assistance with a mental health crisis. Individuals using the crisis center do not need to be area residents or clients--anyone may use this center. Mental Health Partners also has outpatient offices for infants, children, adolescents, adults and families. Many programs and services are available, including school-based programs, substance abuse treatment, rape crisis counseling, advocacy and education. Mental Health Partners offers bilingual/bicultural services and an in-house pharmacy.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Colorado This group offers comprehensive support and resource for all mental illnesses including training, support groups, and materials.
NAMI for young adults in Jefferson County
National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. This is a go to site for accurate information.
Open Path Collective Non-profit offering a network of lower cost therapy providers including for those with out insurance.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) Other companies may offer to connect consumers to these same assistance programs for a fee — some of which may use our name without our permission. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance will help you find the program that’s right for you, free of charge. We will never ask for payment information.
Robert D. Sutherland Foundation for bipolar disorder. Based on the CU campus, offering amazing education, counseling services, and at times psychiatric services. Their "Sutherland Series" 8 week bipolar educational program is outstanding. The newest one starts September 11th 2017 in Longmont. It is now available as an audio download if you are unable to attend in person. They also have a rich resources section on their web site. This is a great community resource.
In addition to the Sutherland Series, skills therapy consisting of 5 modules is available for those that qualify. Please call 303 492 5680 to start the process.
Social Security Administration (SSA) is where one applies for disability and gets help with medicare/medicate services.
ONLINE
Bringchange2mind started by Glenn Close, it is a non-profit organization working together to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness through widely distributed public education materials and programs based on the latest scientific insights and measured for effectiveness.
crazymeds.com focuses on medication for various psychiatric conditions. Much of the information is anecdotal as opposed to rigorously researched so use your best judgement. You will need to disable your ad blocker to use this site.
Wristbandexpress Unsure how this company came to have all these mental illness resources, but it is very comprehensive. It includes or links to mental illness descriptions, treatments, Social Security Disability, and more. It is recommended to us by a girl scout troop that happened upon our site while doing a mental health project.
CHATROOMS
Bipolarworld.net. This room is strongly moderated. Be prepared to immediately and tersely be asked your age and diagnosis to make sure you qualify for this site.
Healthfulfchat.org. Note you enter in the lounge room, and move to the room you selected upon entry (bipolar) by clicking on that tab below where you type. This site is only partially moderated and at times you will need a thick skin for some conversations. If you need help ask for a mod "is there a mod here". At times mods are only in the lounge room, and other times no mod is online. Must be 16 years or older.
BOOKS
About bipolar disorder:
- "Bipolar for Dummies" is a very comprehensive source of bipolar information. Strongly recommended for both newly diagnosed and long time experienced people
- “Unquiet Mind” by Kay Redfield Jamison
- “Loving someone with Bipolar Disorder" by Judy A. Fast and John D. Preston
- "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know" by David J Miklowitz
- "Why Am I Still Depressed?" by Jim Phelps
- "When Someone You Love Is Bipolar: Help and Support for You and Your Partner" by Cynthia G. Last
- "Living With Someone Who's Living With Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers" by Chelsea Lowe
- "Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bipolar but Were Too Freaked Out to Ask" by Hilary T. Smith
- "The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings" by Monica Ramirez Basco
About depression:
- "The Mindful Way Through Depression" by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn
- "Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life" by Matthew McKay, PhD, Martha Davis, PhD, and Patrick Fanning
- "Depression Fallout: The Impact of Depression on Couples and What You Can Do to Preserve the Bond" by Anne Sheffield
PAMPLETS/BROCHURES
DBSA Pamplets cover many topics including coping with mood disorder, dual diagnosis, psychotherapy, suicide prevention, what hurts what helps, you have just been diagnosed, and more. Many are available online, and some in print form only.
MOOD TRACKERS
This is a new section. Looking for other recommendations. Please feel free to email to boulderdbsa@gmail.com.
eMoods web site
eMoods is available at Google Play.
eMoods is available for Apple
LEGAL RESOURCES
American Bar Association Online database of attorneys1 (800) 285-2221
Directory for free legal assistance by state
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Information about mental health legislation(202) 467-5730
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
For complaints of disability employment discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)1 (800) 669-4000
Joint Commission (JCAHO) Toll-Free Complaint HotlineTo share concerns regarding quality of care (not billing) at a health care organization1 (800) 994-6610
Legal Aid / local legal service agencies. May assist those unable to pay for legal assistance (limitations often apply, such as no criminal cases)Check your local phone directory under "legal aid" or ask your local NAMI affiliate for legal aid resources near you
Legal Services Corporation
Civil legal aid to low-income Americans(202) 295-1500
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
Legal advocacy for individuals on subjects like abuse, health care accountability, education, employment, housing, transportation and interactions with the juvenile and criminal justice system (202) 408-9514
National Guardianship Association Information about guardianship or conservatorship
U.S. Department of Justice
Assistance with ADA concerns in state and local government and public accommodations1 (800) 541-0301
FILING SSDI/SSI
Social Security Resources Applying for—and eventually receiving—Social Security benefits can be a long process, but the good news is that you don't have to do it alone. Read NAMI's answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security benefits or consult the resources below for help. Getting good advice and following through on the appeals process can significantly improve your claim's chances.
Allsup
Specialized services for those living with disabilities nationwide, including Social Security Disability Insurance representation and Medicare plan selection services. Filing SS disability claims with them will result in your benefit being reduced by the amount of their fees. 1 (800) 279-4357 ext. 2020
NAMI
Information about submitting claims and appeals
National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR)
Referral lists of representatives who can help you with your claim1 (800) 747-6131
National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
Referral lists of representatives who can help you with your claim1 (800) 431-2804
Social Security Administration Hotline Claims information—calling more than once to get several opinions may be helpful1 (800) 772-1213
American Bar Association Online database of attorneys1 (800) 285-2221
Directory for free legal assistance by state
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Information about mental health legislation(202) 467-5730
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
For complaints of disability employment discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)1 (800) 669-4000
Joint Commission (JCAHO) Toll-Free Complaint HotlineTo share concerns regarding quality of care (not billing) at a health care organization1 (800) 994-6610
Legal Aid / local legal service agencies. May assist those unable to pay for legal assistance (limitations often apply, such as no criminal cases)Check your local phone directory under "legal aid" or ask your local NAMI affiliate for legal aid resources near you
Legal Services Corporation
Civil legal aid to low-income Americans(202) 295-1500
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
Legal advocacy for individuals on subjects like abuse, health care accountability, education, employment, housing, transportation and interactions with the juvenile and criminal justice system (202) 408-9514
National Guardianship Association Information about guardianship or conservatorship
U.S. Department of Justice
Assistance with ADA concerns in state and local government and public accommodations1 (800) 541-0301
FILING SSDI/SSI
Social Security Resources Applying for—and eventually receiving—Social Security benefits can be a long process, but the good news is that you don't have to do it alone. Read NAMI's answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security benefits or consult the resources below for help. Getting good advice and following through on the appeals process can significantly improve your claim's chances.
Allsup
Specialized services for those living with disabilities nationwide, including Social Security Disability Insurance representation and Medicare plan selection services. Filing SS disability claims with them will result in your benefit being reduced by the amount of their fees. 1 (800) 279-4357 ext. 2020
NAMI
Information about submitting claims and appeals
National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR)
Referral lists of representatives who can help you with your claim1 (800) 747-6131
National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
Referral lists of representatives who can help you with your claim1 (800) 431-2804
Social Security Administration Hotline Claims information—calling more than once to get several opinions may be helpful1 (800) 772-1213
Coping Strategies
Please click on the word "Coping" at the top right of this site.