DBSA Speakers Bureau

Requesting a speaker
DBSA is eager to share important and vital information on mood disorders with people in your company, group, school, government agency or association. A member of our Speakers Bureau is available to talk to your group about depression or bipolar disorder. By sponsoring a presentation, you can:

• Help reduce stigma. Teach students, employees and co-workers that depression and bipolar disorder are treatable illnesses, not character flaws or signs of weakness.

• Help people help themselves. Familiarize your audience with the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder and encourage them to seek help – for themselves, friends or family.

• Reduce absenteeism. Clinical depression has become one of the most common illnesses, affecting one in ten working age adults in the US each year resulting in a loss of approximately 200 million working days each year. (International Labour Office, Geneva, October 2000)

• Save a life. In 1997, suicide was the 8^th leading cause of death in the United States and the 3^rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. Studies indicate that the most promising way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior is through the early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Most likely, a member of our Speakers Bureau is available to talk to your group. Please let us know your needs by sending an email to speakersbureau@dbsalliance.org.

Becoming a Speaker
DBSA’s Speakers Bureau was created to expand our mission to "educate patients, families, professionals, and the public concerning the nature of depressive and manic-depressive illnesses as treatable medical diseases." By raising awareness, DBSA erases the stigma surrounding depression and bipolar disorder, restores dignity to all patients and helps people recognize the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and get appropriate treatment. Our Speakers Bureau plays an important role in meeting our mission.

As a member of DBSA’s Speakers Bureau, you will educate others about mood disorders. You may be contacted to provide key information about DBSA to other organizations, businesses, religious groups and the media in your area.

Participation in DBSA’s Speakers Bureau is voluntary and involves an on-going relationship with the association. We supply resource materials to speakers on a regular basis to ensure consistency and accuracy of the message. We request that you provide us copies of any presentations you make and forward any press clippings to DBSA.

If you are interested in applying to be a member of the DBSA Speakers Bureau, please contact DBSA at (800) 826-3632 or via email to speakersbureau@dbsalliance.org.

Speakers Needed

Seeking Teens
Are you a teen living with depression or bipolar disorder that would like to help educate others by telling your personal story? DBSA Speakers’ Bureau is looking for teens that would be willing to talk to the media. Depending on the media outlet, you may be able to remain anonymous or be asked to give your name. If you’re interested send an email to speakersbureau@dbsalliance.org or call (800) 826-3632.

Seeking Parents
Are you a parent of a child living with depression or bipolar disorder that would like to help educate others about raising a child with a mood disorder? We're searching for parents and children willing to talk to the media. Your child's identity can be kept confidential. If you’re interested, send an email to speakersbureau@dbsalliance.org or call (800) 826-3632.