This is our 5th year of gathering as a Support and Educational Group!

Our meetings are every 4th Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:00 pm. This meeting is open to new participants at any time, and there is no charge for attending.

The format includes open discussion, and occasional guest speakers. We create lots of opportunities for questions and discussion of all aspects of mood disorders. Our group has been beneficial for people experiencing mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. We are open to patients, family members, and loved ones who want to learn about or be supported in dealing with the effects of Mood Disorders.

This is NOT a therapy group, but is instead a place to meet to ask questions and receive support. Discussions are in an open format with specialty topics and guest speakers to be announced throughout the year. We also provide information about current research studies within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, as well as any available clinical interventions at Duke and within the community.

Below is a listing of the future dates for the 2012 season. If you would like to receive monthly reminders or updates about this group, please email Cindy Jones at Jones106@mc.duke.edu.

If you have any questions or need directions, please call Cindy Jones at 919-286-5261.

2012 Schedule

Thursday, January 26 - GUEST Speaker! - Gary Duncan PhD (UNC - Neuropsychiatry) " The BRAIN" - this program is a long time favorite where Gary shares some of his interactive learing materials about the brain and how it is affected by Mood Disorders. http://science-learning.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4&...

Thursday, February 23 - GUEST SPEAKER – Kate Thieda MS LPCA (Duke Faculty Practice) - Author of “Partners in Wellness”http://blogs.psychcentral.com/wellness/about/-, Kate will share some highlights of this series which she authors. Her blog is intended to help caregivers and partners learn to better communicate and improve their relationship with someone who has mental health concerns. It is free to join for regular updates and tips.

Thursday, March 22 - Open Discussion – Cindy Jones, MS LPC (Duke Faculty Practice)

Thursday, April 26 - GUEST SPEAKER - Lis Bernhardt, BA - “New Research Opportunities at Duke”

Thursday, May 24 - Open Discussion - Cindy Jones, MS LPC (Duke Faculty Practice)

Thursday, June 28 - GUEST SPEAKER - Sapna Doshi (Medical Psychology) – “ Diet, Fitness, and Mood” – Sapna has trained at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center and is presently training with the Sleep Disorders Clinic and the Duke Faculty Practice to integrate healthier habits that can help mood symptoms.

Thursday, July 26 - Open Discussion – Cindy Jones, MS LPC (Duke Faculty Practice)

Thursday, August 23 - GUEST SPEAKER Irene Belle Skowronek, PhD, (Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Teacher) "Yoga and Emotional Well-Being" - www.ireneskowronek.com

Thursday, September 27 - Open Discussion – Cindy Jones, MS LPC (Duke Faculty Practice)

Thursday, October 25 - GUEST SPEAKER - Karyn Drum (Artist and art teacher for Cary Schools) “Art and Mood” – Karyn has been a life long student of the arts and is committed to sharing her talents and discoveries with others.

**Thursday, November 15 - Open Discussion – Cindy Jones, MS LPC (Duke Faculty Practice)

**Thursday, December 20 - GUEST SPEAKER - Meg Lineberger PhD (Duke Faculty Practice, Sleep Disorders Clinic) – “ How your mood affects your sleep and your sleep affects your mood”