We hope you're having a lovely fall season! It's a busy time of year at the NNDC as we're in the middle of strategic planning and laying the groundwork for 2025 events!

We're also running a fundraising campaign that will run through the end of the year titled 'Open Minds, Open Doors: Uniting for Stigma-Free Depression Care for All.' With this campaign, we aim to continue to lift the burden of depression and bipolar disorder, increase innovations in treatment and further awareness of the stigma that surrounds this issue by raising $100,000 by the end of the year. Several generous lead donors have already contributed and we've received more than $34,000 in pledges toward our goal. Learn more about the campaign here.

Thank you for being a valued member and follower of the National Network of Depression Centers. Let's make this month one of growth, resilience, and above all, kindness toward ourselves and one another.

Open Minds, Open Doors Campaign | Rob Vallentine

Check out a message from Rob Vallentine, the NNDC's strategic business advisor, on why he's passionate about mental health and is giving his support to 'Open Minds, Open Doors: Uniting for Stigma-Free Depression Care for All'.

Open Minds, Open Doors Fundraising Progress

We're over a third of the way there with $34,000 raised! Learn more about how you can get involved at nndc.org/donate. You can also check out more about the campaign with this quick video from our Executive Director, Matt Samocki on why this effort is important and how you can get involved.

Job Opening: Executive Director of the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity with you that has recently become available at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus!

Read more below for additional information from our friends in Colorado:

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is thrilled to announce its search for the next Executive Director of the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center (JDC). The role offers the chance to lead one of the nation’s premier centers for mood disorders, with a strong reputation in clinical care, research, and community outreach. The position involves steering the JDC’s strategic growth while fostering collaboration with key stakeholders across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and beyond. With millions in donations supporting the JDC's work and one of the largest endowments at CU Anschutz, this role promises an exciting opportunity to expand impact, including advancing cutting-edge clinical programs, fostering community engagement, and building a robust research portfolio in mood disorders.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to nurture relationships across SOM departments and with external partners, while embracing a visionary approach to integrating research, clinical care, education, and outreach. As a leader, the Executive Director will guide the JDC's faculty, support faculty development, and oversee operations, all while maintaining a strong presence with the National Network of Depression Centers. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of mood disorder treatment and research on a local, regional, and national level.

We are open to MD and/or DO or MD/PhD candidates at the Associate Professor and Professor level, dependent upon experience. 

We invite you to explore what it’s like to work with us at CU Anschutz in beautiful Colorado.

Learn more about this job here.

Member feature: Combating Stigma with Huntsman Mental Health Institute's Love, Your Mind

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute partnered with the Ad Council on a $65 million multi-year initiative called Love, Your Mind to address the mental health crisis in the U.S and to combat stigma. Why? Because caring for your mind only makes you stronger and taking care of your mind allows you to be your best self. Reflecting on your feelings and stressors can help you deal with whatever life throws your way.

Learn more about Love, Your Mind here.

Ten years after a suicide attempt nearly ended his life and left his face disfigured, a Michigan man became the recipient of the Mayo Clinic’s second-ever face transplant operation, officials said.

“I lived for a reason; I want to help others,” Derek Pfaff said in a statement. “I am so grateful to my donor, his family and my care team at Mayo Clinic for giving me this second chance.”

We're thankful for our friends at Mayo Clinic's Reconstructive Transplant Program (not directly affiliated with the NNDC and separate from Mayo Clinic Psychiatry) and heartened by Pfaff's story to advocate for suicide prevention.

Read Pfaff's story here.

We're seeking event co-hosts for the 2025 NNDC Reception at APA in LA!

Interested in being a co-host this year for our annual reception at the APA Conference in Los Angeles? Reach out to either Courtney Soule at csoule@nndc.org or Matt Samocki at msamocki@nndc.org and we'll get you more information!

Save the Date for the 2025 NNDC Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio!

We had a fabulous time in Salt Lake City this year and we're already looking forward to the 17th Annual Conference in Cincinnati, OH on September 10-11, 2025! Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks!

Save the Date! 2025 Best Practices for Mood Disorders with Mayo Clinic

We just wrapped up the Best Practices for Mood Disorders in collaboration with Mayo Clinic a few weeks ago. We'll have more information about the second annual event soon! But for now, save the date for October 3-4, 2025 in Chicago at the Swissotel!

The Mel Robbins Podcast | Comfort Conversations

How to Reset Your Mind for Calm + Control

With the holidays and the end of the year in mind we're thinking about comfort. In this podcast, you’ll discover how and when to use it so you can feel more calm, confident and optimistic about your life. You’ll know when to press pause in your life so you can recharge, and build the strength to take on your biggest challenges.

Based in science, Mel explains how everyday comforts—whether it’s your favorite cozy blanket or your go-to spot on the couch—can actually make you more resilient and help you break through self-sabotage, fear, and resistance. 

Plus, you’ll hear from world-renowned Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Robert Waldinger, who shares the surprising science behind comfort rituals and why they’re essential for staying grounded in a chaotic world.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

NPR's Life Kit | Science-backed Mood Boosters

In a slump and want to turn your day around? Try these science-backed techniques to help improve your mood in a matter of minutes.



They can help you feel energized when you feel sluggish, calm when you feel stressed or connected if you feel lonely. No special tools or materials required (unless you want to jump in the ice bath!).

Listen on NPR's Life Kit

Ologies Podcast | Suicide Prevention + Awareness

Suicidology (Suicide Prevention + Awareness) with DeQuincy Meiffren-Lézine

Let’s chat with renowned Suicidologist Dr. DeQuincy Meiffren-Lézine. He is an absolute wonder and helps us understand the risk factors for suicide, prevention strategies, socio-economic factors, gender statistics, LGBTQ+ suicide prevention, what happens if you call a hotline, thoughts on hospitalization, how to support loved ones who have ideation, mourning those lost, learning to take care of yourself and your mental health and how living through the worst means by definition, things get better.

Listen on Apple Podcasts