Bipolar Support Groups - Do I Need One? Should I Attend?
With the world becoming smaller and smaller due to the power of the internet, I thought to myself, “what better way to reach the greatest amount of people then to create a website?” As you can see... I did! :-)
The website is an expansion of my book. It gives me the ability to extend my arms, reach out, and take by the hand many of the untold who suffer with challenges such as these, and their families.
It allows me to continue providing new research and resources, and hopefully provide inspiration and support through any thoughts and advice I may be able to offer. I will also be documenting some of my experiences with support groups, and my on-going quest for continued peace and strength
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Your Are Not Alone
If you or a loved one suffer from bipolar, do not be alone and carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. The power of bipolar support groups are not to be underestimated. You will soon know that you are not alone. In fact, you are in some good company. You are part of a group of folks who are among some of the most highly creative and successful people throughout history. See my post on 'Can Bipolar Be Managed?'.
The majority of these groups are free and confidential. Finding a group will help speed your recovery, and teach you how to deal with the day to day challenges this condition has you facing.
Joining a support group can be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself or loved one. Next to the love and support of family and friends, it will be the best thing to help with the healing process.
Even if you or your loved one has some initial resistance, I beg you to consider at least that first meeting. You've got everything to gain and absolutely nothing to loose. Research has proven the value of bipolar support groups and how the can aid in recovery process.
A five-year, SAMHSA-funded study that compared participants in group support to those receiving traditional services, those in support groups showed greater improvement in well-being (including recovery, social inclusion, empowerment, quality of life, meaning of life and hope). This recent DBSA report on bipolar support groups describes how much support groups can help, and offers evidence that peer support can be effective.
Bipolar group support can offer many simple yet practical coping techniques. Helping one gain inner peace, learning how to change the their reactions to the people and situations they feel they have no control over. Members learn how to identify and manage negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that can lead to emotional distress and stress related physical symptoms. The techniques are learned through regular attendance at meetings, studying the Recovery literature, and daily practice.
What groups exist?
There are a different styles of groups available. One may be a self-help group facilitated by a professional clinician.
Some groups are patient focused...and some groups are family-focused.
Seek some advice, or use your own judgment on which type you think you would like to try. Now, know that you are not tied to any group. If you feel are not comfortable or happy in a particular group, move on and seek out another.
The wonderful thing about 99% of these groups is that they are cost free! This is an incredible blessing given the high cost of therapy. Of course, the patient will still need a doctor or psychiatrist though. Medication is essential for most bipolar people, and should only be obtained under the care of an expert physician.
Recommended groups
A good place to start is a Depression and Bipolar Support (DBSA) local group.The DBSA bipolar support groups are volunteer run and provide self-help through peer facilitated meetings. They are not group therapy, however, they usually have professional advisors from the community (for example a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse or social worker). Each local group may do things a little differently but all DBSA groups will offer a high level of sharing and caring and bipolar group support to help you stay well.
Take two minutes and listen to this sweet man.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
2107 Wilson Boulevard, #300
Arlington, VA 22201
800-950-6264
www.dbsalliance.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
730 N. Franklin Street, #501
Chicago, IL 60610
800-826-3632
www.nami.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
800-333-2377
www.afsp.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Blvd., Rm 8184 MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892
866-615-6464
TTY: 866-415-8051
www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
866-615-6464
www.mhasp.org
NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. They they cover a broader range of mental health issues and this site focuses on bipolar. However, NAMI groups are excellent and well worth trying, especially if you are interested in a more family-focused approach.
Unfortunately there are not bipolar support groups in every area. However, there are over 700 groups in the US so you are still more likely than not to find one.
Summary
Bipolar group support offers some or all of the following:
1. Connection and friendship with others who relate & very well understand your plight.
2. An outlet to vent in a way you may not want to such as home or the workplace.
3. Libraries of books and videos on bipolar and other mood disorders.
4. Access to many expert guest speakers who participate quite often.
5. Information on medication, therapies, legal rights, and local services and clinicians.
6. Encouragement and motivation.
A Brilliant Madness
by Patty Duke & Gloria Hochman
An Unquiet Mine
by Kay Redfield Jamison
Darkness Visible
by William Styron
Daughter of the Queen of Sheba
by Jackie Lyden
Manic Depressive Illness
by Goodwin and Jamison
Moodswings
by Ronald Fieve, M.D.
On the Edge of Darkness
by Kathy Cronkite
Sights Unseen
by Kaye Gibson
The Beast
by Tracy Thompson
We Heard the Angels of Madness
by Berger
Remember... there IS help.... there ARE people who care.... Use the resources, for one day you too will be the, 'help' and 'caring' for another in need. And THAT, is the best therapy for recovery of them all!
with Love
Loretta F.
HOME PAGE HERE
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