Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of West Virginia

Our mission is to provide hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders. Our vision is to reach as many West Virginians as possible who are living with depression or bipolar disorder, and their friends and loved ones, so that they know there is an organization within the state whose primary focus is supporting them through meetings, literature, and conferences that focus on mood disorders.

DBSA was started in 1978 by Rose Kurland, a woman living with bipolar disorder in Illinois who saw the need for a support group that would be specific to depression and bipolar disorder. There are currently DBSA groups in thirty-eight states. DBSA came to WV in 2005 when Tom Stenger, a Vietnam veteran, started the Ohio Valley Chapter in Wheeling. DBSA WV became a state organization in 2008. There are ten support groups either in person or on Zoom throughout the state at this time.

Through support groups, DBSA WV reaches many people living with a mood disorder, as well as their friends and families. Through outreach we let the public know that there is an organization available for these particular mental health needs. We have talked to many groups and organizations, such as, senior facilities, other mental health organizations, and suicide prevention specialists.  We participate in many events and conferences around West Virginia, including the annual American Society for Suicide Prevention Walk in Monongalia County and are a sponsor for the Kickin' It for Katy suicide prevention 5k event at FSU. We're also a sponsor for the Spring C.E. Conference for Social Workers in Charleston. Through these activities we are a presence in our community, and we continue to grow. Extra help with outreach is always appreciated so we can continue to grow and provide hope, help, and support to those who need our services.