DBSA California

03/30/2026

Today, March 30, we recognize World Bipolar Day 💙

To our community: thank you for showing up—for yourselves and for each other—every single day. Your honesty and care make this space what it is: a peer-led community grounded in lived experience and deep understanding of those living with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.

Through peer support groups, wellness tools, and accessible mental health resources, we strive to give our community what it takes to navigate, grow, and find stability in every day life.

If you haven't attended a group or are interested in other events we offer, please sign up for our newsletter by visiting dbsacalifornia.org.

03/21/2026

Work plays a big role in our well-being, and finding ways to make it sustainable matters. Join us for a series of conversations designed by Dr. Caroline Fraissinet to support your career journey, from job searching and returning to work to setting boundaries and protecting yourself in the workplace. Reserve a spot for our first session on Saturday March 28! Check out the link to reserve your spot today!

This is a 6-part workshop that is:

✅ Free to attend
✅ Online
✅ Relevant to all career levels
✅ Open to anyone navigating their career - while it's designed with mood disorders in mind, all are welcome!

🧭 Session 1: Career Navigation: Identifying What You Want and Need
💭 Session 2: Job Search Strategies: Staying Grounded Through the Process
😌 Session 3: Work and Circadian Rhythms: Aligning Work With Your Natural Energy
✍️ Session 4: (Re)Designing Work to Work for You
⚖️ Session 5: Work-Life Balance and Sustainable Careers
🗣️ Session 6: Protecting Yourself at Work: Rights, Disclosure, and Advocacy

Together we’ll explore everything from career navigation to workplace self-advocacy!

Part one of a 6 part series on Career Navigation for Individuals with a Mood Disorder

03/11/2026

Join DBSA California for a thoughtful virtual conversation with Executive Director Wendy McNeill and researcher Tigran Makunts. This curated discussion will explore the pharmaceutical space, medications for mental health, and important questions around drug safety. Join DBSA California for a thoughtful virtual conversation with Executive Director Wendy McNeill and researcher Tigran Makunts. This curated discussion will explore the pharmaceutical space, medications for mental health, and important questions around drug safety. Join us for this FREE event Thursday, March 19th, at 6pm PST!

Tigran is pharmacist by training, specialized in drug safety for approved drugs and drugs still in clinical trials. His experience spans from working in community pharmacy to doing research at the FDA, researching psychiatric medications at UCSD, and currently working on clinical trials in endocrinology, neurology and oncology. Tigran enjoys playing tennis in his free time.

Disclaimer: Information shared in this event is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.

Tigran is pharmacist by training, specialized in drug safety for approved drugs and drugs still in clinical trials. His experience spans from working in community pharmacy to doing research at the FDA, researching psychiatric medications at UCSD, and currently working on clinical trials in endocrinology, neurology and oncology. Tigran enjoys playing tennis in his free time.

Disclaimer: Information shared in this event is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.

The nonprofit Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance California (DBSA California) offers free support groups, education, and community events for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

02/11/2026

What does long-term healing look like — and what does it take to get there? DBSA California is honored to welcome Michael Schneider for an upcoming virtual event, Bipolar to Balance, which focuses on navigating mental health and the shared path toward healing. ❤️‍🩹 Join us Thursday, February 19th, at 6pm for an empowering discussion designed to uplift and strengthen our peer community. Link is in our bio!

Michael brings lived experience, professional insight, and constructive conversations around bipolar disorder and recovery. Following his commitment to ownership and wellness, Michael has not experienced a manic episode in 25 years. He is now a Stanford graduate, successful technology professional, author, and advocate supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions.

Want to learn more about events like this? Join our mailing list for regular updates on special events as well as our weekly support groups! 🫂

The nonprofit Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance California (DBSA California) offers free support groups, education, and community events for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

01/20/2026

A new year means new chances to heal, grow, and feel supported. We are here for you and will walk with you every step of the way. Get involved with our community and come to some of our support groups! 👇 DM us for links or sign up for our newsletter to see weekly updates and visit dbsacalifornia.org

🫂 Friends & Family Support - Every 2nd & 4th Thursday from 6-8pm PT

🌈 True Colors: An LGBTQ+ Support Space - Every Thursday (except 3rd Thursdays) from 6-8pm PT

☀️ Afternoon Support Groups Mondays & Saturdays from 12:30-2:30pm PST

🌙 Evening Support Groups Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm PST

01/04/2026

Wow, it’s the new year! 🥳🎊 We thank YOU for your support through 2025! In 2026, we are ending isolation and healing together. We are honored to keep serving our community!

Let’s highlight some amazing programs and events DBSA California hosted in 2025. Because of your support we were able to host:

🤲 392 Support Groups
🖼️ 42 Creative Arts and Educational
Workshops
🎉 2 Poetry Showcases
🙋 7 Special Guest Speaker Events (featuring peers telling their own stories of resilience and perseverance)
🫶 4 Facilitator Trainings

We served:
🤝 179 Average UNIQUE individuals each month
🕦 with a total of 16,515 Service Hours
(1,376 average per month)

And hosted 2 NEW ongoing groups:
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ True Colors, serving LGBTQIA community
🫂 Friends and Family Support Group, for those
with loved ones living with a mental health condition

Let’s keep going in 2026!

12/23/2025

This year, our community showed up for one another in many powerful ways, and a big part of that were donations! Your gifts help create safe spaces and ensures our programs continue into the new year. Make your year-end gift before December 31 and get a little gift from us 😉 Shout out to Alejandra and Michael for sporting our DBSA California swag!

🎁 Donate $100 → Receive a FREE DBSA California mug
🎁 Donate $200 → Receive a FREE mug and t-shirt

When you give by December 31, you’re helping keep our peer-led support groups free and accessible across California. Your generosity also makes it possible to offer inspirational and educational guest speakers, creative workshops, and special events.

We invite you to make your year-end donation today and start the new year by supporting connection, community, and hope.

💙 Donate now via the link in bio or visit dbsacalifornia.org/donate

12/11/2025

Take a sec listen to ’s poem called “Autistically Yours” 💕, a hilarious but raw piece about her lived experience as an autistic person. Drop a comment below if April’s poem resonates with you!

April Beth Marshall is a poet whose work celebrates q***r joy and personal empowerment with the kind of electric honesty that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe text your ex. A former stand-up comic, professional wrestler, actress, and writer, she brings a lifetime of reinvention to every line she delivers. Check out her work at itsmeapril.com

12/08/2025

“Writing has always been a powerful outlet for me—a way to express my emotions and find clarity when words escape me. I believe everyone has a voice, and this group is a space for you to discover and embrace yours.” -Chrissy Phillips, Professional Counselor, Author, and DBSA California Board Member

Join Chrissy every 2nd and 4th Monday for our Creative Storytelling space from 5pm-6pm. Share a piece you’ve been working on or just be amongst the creative energy of your peers. Zoom link is in the comments!

12/06/2025

Just in time for gift-giving season 🎁 Our new DBSA California shop is live. Your holiday shopping can give back in meaningful ways! Every purchase supports peer-led mental health support across California. Check out the shop at DBSAcalifornia.org and peruse the goodies, maybe even get yourself a mug for brewing something warm this cozy season ❄️

12/04/2025

Hi, Wendy here! 👋 I am DBSA California’s Executive Director and I just wanted to share how grateful I am for your support of our organization! Because of your generosity, everyone affected by mental health challenges has a place to be seen and heard. Together, we can end isolation by healing together.

With your donations we can continue our effort to:
🫂 Provide more free support groups
🌱 Train more facilitators
❤️‍🩹 Develop new life-saving programs

Donate now at DBSACalifornia.org/donate or check out our shop for some awesome merch so you can take DBSA anywhere you go! All your purchases go to supporting our cause. My personal favorites are our mugs and beautifully illustrated t-shirts!

12/02/2025

is here, and Gabriela is sharing how DBSA California showed up for her when she needed it most—plus giving you a peek at some of our branded swag! Her story is a powerful reminder that one support group can change everything. Your generosity helps more people find that same support. Donate now at DBSACalifornia.org/donate or visit our online store. Every purchase fuels our mission of peer-led support! 🤲