FRIENDS Depression Education and Resource Center (FDERC)
Depression is a very common illness. Twenty-one percent of women and twelve percent of men will develop depression in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, it remains one of the most misdiagnosed and under-treated illnesses. This is often due to misinformation about depression and the fear of being labeled. To combat this, the U-M Depression Center offers patient, family and community education as part of its multi-service approach to care.
The FRIENDS Depression Education and Resource Center (FDERC), located in the east end of the Rachel Upjohn Building Atrium, provides educational resources on depression and related illnesses to help improve understanding and encourage individuals to seek assistance for this very treatable illness. The FDERC materials and online resources can help patients, families, and the community to more fully understand treatment options, actively participate in their care, and make informed treatment decisions together with their health care provider.
The FDERC provides the following services:
- Computer access to reliable mental health information websites
- A lending library with print and video materials
- Free brochures, pamphlets, and articles focusing on a wide variety of depressive disorders.
Please feel free to browse the FDERC at your convenience!
Made possible by the FRIENDS of the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers
FRIENDS of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers is a non-profit community organization that has helped support patient care in the hospitals and health education in Ann Arbor since 1978. A generous grant from FRIENDS provided initial funding for the Depression Education and Resource Center.
For information on volunteering in the FDERC please contact UM Health System Volunteer Services at 734-936-4327, ext 3.
