Polarity 
Polarity is a member run, non-profit, peer support self-help group for those with mood disorders and their families. We help educate, support and communicate with those afflicted or affected by mood disorders in the Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.
We help those with mood disorders and their families cope with the problems associated with mood disorders through the following:
regular weekly peer-support meetings
buddy system for support as needed
information sharing
referrals to local mental health groups/agencies
social events
sharing various resources developed by and for our members
promote a holistic approach to mental health and related issues
meetings with guest speakers or educational videos
create a caring environment to battle the stigma of mental illness
networking with local and provincial mental health groups/agencies
Leadership training
Polarity was started by members and the Canadian Mental Health Association'(Durham Branch) Public Education Co-ordinator, Sandra Manuel in November 1986, Oshawa, Ontario. During the first 10 years we had a membership of 5 to 30 people and holding our meetings at the Canadian Mental Health Association'(Durham Branch) Clubhouse New Horizon's free of charge. During that time we had guest speakers such as local mental health professionals or special events such as a Christmas Progressive Dinner or picnics. Once our president began taking a Group Dynamics course at Durham College our meetings became more orderly and productive. In October of 1989 we became a founding member group of the Depressive and Manic-depressive Association Of Ontario(now the Mood Disorders Association Of Ontario & Toronto). In the early 90's we had a contest and changed our groups' name from the Depressive and Manic-depressive Self-Help Group of Durham Region to the much shorter Polarity.
As our numbers dwindled we searched for a more appropriate location for our meetings and found it at United Survivors Support Centre in downtown Oshawa. In September of 1996 we began the most dramatic changes in our history; starting with our brochure. After 6 months we went from monthly meetings with a mere 3 or 4 members to weekly meetings with 6 to 13 members. We soon after created coping tips for our family members and coping tips for those with a mood disorder. In October of 1996,1997,1998 and 1999 we particpated in the Canadian Mental Health Association's (Durham Branch) Depression Screening Day. In May 1997,1998,1999 and 2000 we participated in Mental Health Awareness Day at the Oshawa Shopping Centre. We also participate in The New Durham Interagency Group which is a group of local Social Service agencies which meet quarterly to network/communicate with each other over lunch at local restaurants.
Frequently Asked Question
Symptoms List
Adolescent Symptoms List
Links to Mental Health Sites
Resources
Suicide Resources
Kits Page
Mood Disorder Coping Tips Page
Items Needed Donating To Polarity
Contact Us
Polarity
c/o Derrick Tully
454 Bloor st. E.,Apt. 212,
Oshawa, Ontario
Canada
L1H 3M8
e-mail:
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