This article is from the Depression FAQ, by Cynthia Frazier with numerous contributions by others.
The following is a list of national organizations dealing with the issues of depression. Please note: Model groups are not national organizations and should be contacted primarily by persons wishing to start a similar group in their area. Also, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope when requesting information from any group. When calling a contact number, remember that many of them are home numbers, so be considerate of the time you call. Keep in mind the different time zones.
[Reprinted from The Self-Help Sourcebook, 4th Edition, 1992. American Self-Help Clearinghouse, St.Clares' Riverside Medical Center, Denville, New Jersey 07834]
**Depressed Anonymous** Int'l. 8 affiliated groups. Founded 1985. 12-step program to help depressed persons believe & hope they can feel better. Newsletter, phone support, information & referrals, pen pals, workshops, conference & seminars. Information packet ($5), group starting manual ($10.95).Newsletter. Write: 1013 Wagner Ave., Louisville, KY 40217. Call Hugh S. 502-969-3359.
**Depression After Deliver** National. 85 chapters. Founded 1985. Support & Information for women who have suffered from post-partum depression. Telephone support in most states, newsletter, group development guidelines, pen pals, conferences. Write: PO. Box 1281, Morrisville, PA 19067. Call 215-295-3994 or 800-944-4773 (to leave name & address for information to be sent).
**Emotions Anonymous** National. 1200 chapters. Founded 1971. Fellowship sharing experiences, hopes & strengths with each other, using the 12-step program to gain better emotional health. Correspondence program for those who cannot attend meetings. Chapter development guidelines. Write: PO. Box 4245, St. Paul, MN 55104. Call 612-647-9712.
**National Depressive & Manic-Depressive Association** National. 250 chapters. Founded 1986. Mutual support & information for manic-depressives, depressives & their families. Public education on the biochemical nature of depressive illnesses. Annual conferences, chapter development guidelines. Newsletter. Write: NDMDA, 730 Franklin, 501, Chicago, IL 60610. Call 800-82-NDMDA or 312-642-0049.
**National Foundation for Depressive Illness**. An informational service, which provides a recorded message of the clear warning signs of depression and manic-depression, and instructs how to get help and further information. Call 1-800-239-1295. For a bibliography and referral list of physicians and support groups in your area, send $5 (if you can afford it) and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope with 98 cents postage to, NAAFDI, PO. Box 2257, New York, NY 100116.
NOSAD (**National Organization for Seasonal Affective Disorder**) National. groups. Founded 1988. Provides information & education re: the causes, nature & treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Encourages development of services to patients & families, research into causes & treatment. Newsletter. Write: PO. Box 451, Vienna, VA 22180. Call 301-762-0768.
(Model) **Helping Hands** Founded 1985. A comfortable & homey atmosphere for people with manic-depression, schizophrenia or clinical depression who seek an environment that makes them more aware of themselves & eliminates a negative attitude. Group development guidelines. Write: c/o Rita Martone, 86 Poor St, Andover, MA 01810. Call 508-475-3388.
(Model) MDSG-NY (**Mood Disorders Support Group, Inc.**) Founded 1981. Support & education for people with manic-depression or depression & their families & friends. Guest lectures, newsletter, rap groups, assistance in starting groups. Write: PO. Box 1747, Madison Square Station, New York, NY 10159. Call 212-533-MDSG.
 
Continue to: