Working off the premise of strength in numbers, compassion and courage, a new support group for women dealing with mood disorders begins meeting Tuesday.
Seven Valleys resident Mickie Singer says she and another mental health advocate saw a need that was not being met.
She says the all-female group would provide a safe place for women dealing with clinical depression and bi-polar disorder, and postpartum and perimenopausal depression.
Singer says it has long been understood that women connect by sharing stories, whether in quilting bees, corporate
meetings or support groups.
“Women working together often gain a close, intimate and powerful rapport,” she said. “This bonding can be very effective for women with mood disorders.”
About 20.9 million adults have a mood disorder, for which the median age for onset is 30, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These disorders are more prevalent in women than men in part because of hormonal shifts during reproductive years.
Singer says there is still a stigma attached to mental health issues, and women need support from other women dealing with similar issues.
The free support group meets from 7 to 8:15 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in Emanuel Methodist Church at 40 S. Main St. in Loganville. The first meeting is May 11.
Learn more about the group by calling 747-8924 or e-mail mindherathealing@comcast.net.
– Reach Kathy Stevens at 505-5437 or ksteven s@yorkdispatch.com.