Vision
To build an understanding community in the awareness of mood disorders through providing support and recovery to those living with mood disorders. We strive to be a centre of excellence for grassroots community mental health in an open yet confidential atmosphere.
Mission
Helping Ourselves, Helping Others
The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba is a self-help organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy for those living with a mood disorder, co-occurring disorders or other mental health illnesses. We increase public awareness about mood disorders and empower people to develop hope and recovery.
Help yourself or those you love in hope and recovery from mood disorders.
Funds raised by The Run for Women help Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba provide programming for women and girls in need. MDAM currently offers educational workshops, weekly support groups, peer support, postpartum Warm Line, and navigational services to support mental wellness to all women and girls in our community.
Testimonials
I can’t even begin to imagine where I would be without the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, they
saved my life. The individuals who are apart of this association are all so compassionate, and
don't give up, they not only advocated to get me to the best treatment centre in the world for my
condition but they ultimately saved my life. Without the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, I wouldn’t be here today, I can’t thank them enough for their nonstop support, and charismatic
characteristics.
I first connected with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba this summer after battling for more than two years, trying to get help for my daughter. I felt defeated, alone and hopeless. Meeting the ladies at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba changed all of that. Finally I was with people who knew the struggle, had LIVED the struggle, and could support me, encourage me, share their experiences and walk with me through mine. It took every ounce of energy I had to make the call but it was WORTH IT!! If there is only one thing that you have the energy to do today, call the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. You won’t be sorry that you did!
What does LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart mean to me?
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A place where women gather
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A place where women feel safe
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A place where women feel part of a community
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A place where women are supported, loved and listened to without judgement
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A place that is near and dear to my heart
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A place I am so proud to be a part of
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A place that is my community
I am not unfamiliar with support groups as I had been a part of emotions anonymous for many years following my first divorce. I learned a lot about myself and the need to ensure I am confident.
My daughter has been struggling with depression for a long time and noticed a bigger difference in her about 3 years ago. I was terrified to bring it up with her. not long after she admitted she was suicidal and we started on the journey of finding assistance. We went to many appointments with various mental health practitioners and were unable to find the right person to help. When we were finally able to be assessed by HSC Teen Clinic, my daughter was diagnosed with anxiety, depression and anorexia. We have been working with the Teen Clinic for about a year now and she seems to be stuck. She is in a good place with her recovery but does not have any friends and feels very lonely.
I started looking on the internet and found the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. I knew it would take some convincing to get her to a support group but I knew from experience this would be a great assistance to her healing journey. I noticed there was a parents group at the same date and time and knew I needed to attend. I appreciate the way the parents group is run as there is a leader/facilitator who understands. Unlike a phycologist/doctor who went to school to learn how to deal with issues but someone who has been in the struggles and the school of hard knocks. While I appreciate the HSC team, the Mood Disorder parents group is where I can talk freely with other parents. The first day I walked into the parents group, I knew I needed to be there every week. Both my daughter and I know we are no longer alone and there are others who have the same struggles and challenges.
There are many times I had wanted to give up and run away from my family as the struggles were bringing me down. Thanks to the parents group, I see other parents supporting their kids in their journey and I feel I can continue too. The parents group is the only place that I can speak the truth about my daughter and her struggles. My family, other than my mother, friends and co-workers are not aware of my daughter’s suicide thoughts, anxiety, depression or anorexia.
I appreciate having a leader/facilitator to have everyone stay on track, offer suggestions and guidance. I hope to continue for as long as needed and perhaps offer support to others new parents in the future.