What We Do
Talk to someone who's been there.
1-888-486-8236
One in five people will experience a mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) in their lifetime. The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) is dedicated to helping them and their families ... with care, compassion, respect and equity.
Peer Support Groups
Regular peer support groups are held in a wide variety of locations throughout the province of Ontario. There is no registration required and all groups are free of charge. Confidentiality is always respected.
For a listing of Ontario Support groups go here.
Telephone Information & Support
Our toll-free telephone number (1-888-486-8236) allows callers from across the province to access information and support. Trained volunteers are available during office hours to provide callers with local support group details, guidance on how to find a doctor as well as offering peer to peer support.
Tuesdays with Families
Tuesdays from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, family members of someone living with a mood disorder and / or psychosis can call 416.486.0411 for support, information and referrals.
Distinguished Speakers Series
This provocative series allows members of the public to attend information & education sessions with well respected speakers free of charge.
Equilink Newsletter
Equilink is the MDAO's quarterly newsletter. Content includes: MDAO information and announcements from around the province, new medical and research news, social issues, short stories and much more.
Paul Horner Memorial Resource Centre Library
Available to MDAO members and the public, our comprehensive reference library has the latest literature, journals and audio/visual materials in the mental health field.
Community Education
Trained speakers represent MDAO in a wide variety of forums. Speakers share their personal experiences with mood disorders as well as educate groups about the supports and services available within the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario.
Fact Sheets
Volunteers, staff and an advisory committee of professionals produce fact sheets and other educational materials and resources. This information is highly regarded in the mental health and medical communities.
Volunteer Opportunities
The MDAO has many exciting and rewarding opportunities for people wishing to volunteer their time.
Our Sisters' Place (OSP)
The first of its kind support network for women with mood disorders associated
with hormonal changes across the lifespan. OSP will provide women with
peer support groups, information and referral, educational materials and
resources, guest speakers, seminars and workshops, all provided in a climate
of care, compassion and understanding by women staff and volunteers.
Toll free: 1-866-363-MOOD or www.oursistersplace.ca
Lilly-MDAO Moving Lives Forward Scholarship
Opening the door to educational opportunities is one way for people with mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder to move to realizing their own individual potential. The "Lilly - MDAO Moving Lives Forward" Scholarship, offered by Eli Lilly Canada and MDAO, offers financial assistance to help people acquire the educational and vocational skills necessary to secure jobs and regain their lives. Information about the 2010 Scholarships will be posted on the website in February 2010.
The Inspiration Awards
Through the strength of others we find our hope, our heart, our heroes...our inspiration. Click here for details.
Publications
To order a publication, click here.
"It Starts Here" -- A Guide to Mood Disorders for Teens
This guide provides information on depression and bipolar disorder with
current treatment options, community supports and more. "It Starts
Here:A Guide to Mood Disorders for Teens" is an essential tool for
anyone dealing with adolescents and young adults.
Family Matters - A Guide To Mood Disorders For Families
The Family Matters Kit is a guide for families who are dealing with mood
disorders in their family. A mood disorder may affect your parent, spouse,
partner, sibling, or child. The Kit provides information on the diagnosis
and treatment of mood disorders and how family members may be supportive
to their loved one.
Bake Sales, Bingo and Beyond: A Guide to Community Based Fundraising.
This manual is full of easy, proven ideas for local groups to raise money.
Into the Light
This low stress, low fat cookbook is a delightful fundraising venture
for MDAO and its groups throughout the Province. It makes a wonderful
gift and it helps support our anti-stigma work.
One Person at a Time and Community Advocacy -- MDAO Guides to Advocacy
MDAO has developed step by step guides to advocacy starting with individual
advocacy and moving through systems to larger scale group and political
advocacy on behalf of individuals with mood disorders.
You Are Not Alone
A guide for mood disorders self help and peer support groups in Ontario.
This guide will help communities to start peer support groups "from
scratch".