Welcome to DBSA South Orange/Maplewood

We are an independent mood-disorder self-help support group, in the process of affiliating with DBSA. People who are living with depression or bipolar disorder, or who are family members or supporters of such persons, are welcome.

South Orange/Maplewood Meetings

When: Wednesdays, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Where: Ethical Culture Society, 516 Prospect St (corner of Parker Ave), Maplewood, NJ 07040
Helpful Information: We meet on the second floor. Street parking is available—please do not park in the adjacent driveway. See location on the map below.

Our groups and meetings are:

  • led by trained facilitators who are peers, that is, individuals with a mood disorder.
  • open to family and friends with or without the person living with a disorder.
  • an empowering experience that is free of charge with no pre-registration required.
  • NOT a therapy group ; we do NOT give professional advice, but we DO share mutual experiences to educate and support each other.

Mood disorders can often be controlled by medication. In addition, psychotherapy can be very helpful. Many people have been successfully stabilized on medication and lead normal lives, and participate in our support group to help others. Support groups help during recovery. “You are not alone, we can help”.

About Depression & Mania

Common possible symptoms of depression include:

  • Decreased or increased sleeping
  • Loss of energy and motivation
  • Exaggerated feelings of guilt
  • Unexplained aches and pains or ailments
  • Inappropriate or exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, impending disaster or doom

Common possible symptoms of mania include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • High energy level and increased activity/talking
  • Significant decrease in sleeping
  • Inflated self esteem (grandiosity)
  • Extreme irritability and/or restlessness

Other symptoms are possible. No one symptom determines the disorder. A psychiatrist or psycho pharmacologist should be consulted for an evaluation.