1. Who can attend the groups?
Our support groups are open
to anyone with a mood disorder, like bipolar disorder or depression, as well as to caring family members and friends of those
affected by these illnesses.
Please realize that our groups focus strictly on mood disorders although an individual may have an additional,
coexisting diagnosis. For example, someone may have bipolar disorder while at the same time be dealing with an addiction to
alcohol or drugs. (He or she does not solely deal with an alcohol addiction.)
More specific considerations:
If you are a patient: Most
patients who attend our groups have a diagnosed mood disorder and are under the care of a physician. Many attendees also see
or have seen a therapist.
A SUPPORT GROUP IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE WHO IS IN THE MIDST OF MAJOR MANIA
OR IN THE DEPTHS OF DEEP DEPRESSION. IN THOSE CASES, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU FIRST SEEK MORE IMMEDIATE AND PERSONAL MEDICAL
ATTENTION FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU MAY ALWAYS CALL 911.
Only you, perhaps
with feedback from your doctor or therapist, can decide if attending a support group is right for you at a particular time.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
1. Occasionally, another attendee may say something that could be
an emotional trigger for you.
2. A wide range of personalities exists at a given meeting. There
is strength in diversity.
3. An array of opinions may be offered. Don't be offended if you disagree
with a particular statement.
4. Our groups are not "pity parties". We seek to offer hope, help and encouragement.
5. We do not discuss medication by name nor do we suggest specific treatments.
Support groups are not meant to replace any of the traditional
elements of mental health treatment. Rather, they are a part of a comprehensive treatment approach. The focus is
on patients providing mutual support that fuels recovery and helps maintain wellness.
If you are a family member/friend:
You are welcomed to attend our groups. The meetings are enhanced by having parents, significant others,
siblings, friends, etc. in attendance. Please understand, however, that our support groups are primarily patient-focused.
Our emphasis is not on family education, although that may be part of the discussion. Time at our groups is limited, and we must first give attention to patients. Therefore, (depending
on attendance) family members/friends may contribute or ask questions when time permits. Otherwise, we ask that
you primarily observe.
Most family members/friends feel that attending our groups is a valuable, worthwhile experience. If
you are seeking to better understand how to effectively support a loved one, hearing patient discussion can add
balance and objectivity to that endeavor.
If you are a psychology, nursing or medical student, mental health professional or representative
of any organization (clinical trials firm, pharmaceutical company, etc.) and your visit relates to your work: Please
contact us in advance by sending an e-mail with the nature of your visit.
2. What are our groups like?
The size and composition of our groups varies from meeting to meeting.
Typically, you'll find a fairly broad range of ages and backgrounds and a mixture of patients and family/friends. You
are invited to attend as many different meetings at various locations each month as you choose. Check our calendar or our locations/meeting times page for details.
Regardless of the location, you will find a core of fairly regular attendees
coupled with newcomers at most any meeting. Many groups, depending on attendance, sometimes break out into smaller subgroups
based on special interest such as couple's support, depression support, bipolar support, family support, etc.
3. Is there
a charge to attend the meetings?
There is no charge to attend our meetings. However, we do hope you'll subscribe to our bimonthly
newsletter. A subscription is $20.00 per year, and you will be supporting our endeavors. You may
join on-line by credit card or by mail with a check. Learn more.
4. Are the meetings confidential?
Absolutely. The meetings provide an opportunity
for those with a mutual burden to share openly in an atmosphere where everyone respects each other's privacy. Those who
attend are expected to share nothing outside the meetings.
5. What time do the meetings start and how long do they last?
Meeting start times
vary depending on the location. Please consult the calendar and meeting schedule. Most meetings last about 1 1/2 hours.
Please arrive on time. If you arrive late, you may share if time permits.
6. How are the meetings conducted?
The
meetings are rather informal; however, they are facilitated by a trained volunteer. The main purpose of the meetings is to
give people an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with the other group members. At most groups, there are people
who have attended meetings in the past who are familiar with the process. If you prefer to just listen at your first meeting,
that's fine.
The format and style of the various meetings varies somewhat depending on the location, group composition
and who is facilitating. That's the unique, dynamic nature of support groups. (Please Note: While
a location may have a designated facilitator, that individual is not necessarily always present. Remember,
however, that group success depends on all in attendance and not merely on who facilitates a particular
meeting.)
Please realize that these groups are not therapy sessions. Also, because we must give adequate time
for all those in attendance to share, we cannot always take an inordinate amount of time dealing with a unique, personal situation.
We ask that attendees avoid dominating the conversation or interrupting when someone else is sharing.
If you are a family member or a patient with a more involved issue, fee-based, one-on-one consulting is available. You can
send an e-mail (put "Consult" in the subject line) to request more information.
7. What happens if a facilitator doesn't show up?
This rarely happens, but there may be an occasion when last minute circumstances
prevent a facilitator from being able to attend a meeting. If a facilitator fails to show up for a support group, those in
attendance should proceed by discussing matters mutually beneficial for everyone present. If people are uncomfortable with
a particular subject or question, hold it for the following meeting.
Usually there will be someone there who has attended the group previously.
That individual can help lead the meeting. We appreciate your understanding.
8. What if I'm having trouble making the decision
to attend for the first time?
Well, you're normal! Choosing to do anything for the first time is not always easy.
However, the truth is that actually attending a group is what will afford you the insight you need to make an informed
decision as to whether or not support is right for you at this time in your life.
9. Is attending
once enough?
For support to be optimally effective, it needs to be ongoing. Therefore, the more you make attending our groups a routine
part of your life, the better for your recovery. However, how often you attend is strictly your decision. We'll be glad
to have you whenever you're available.
10. Are there group guidelines?
Here is a summary of our guidelines:
All attendees are asked to follow
these guidelines while participating in a DBSA Metro Atlanta support group: - Share the air: We want as many people as possible to
have the opportunity to share. Time is limited, though, so we ask that everyone be respectful of other participants' share-time
needs.
- Give back: We recognize that we often benefit
as much by supporting others as we do by sharing our own struggles, triumphs, and experiences.
- One
person shares at a time: Each person should be allowed to share without interruptions or side
conversations.
What is shared here stays here:
This is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected by all.
Differences
of opinion are o.k.: We are all entitled to our own point of view.
We
are all equal: Accept cultural, linguistic, social and racial differences and promote their acceptance.
Use “I” language: Because we do not participate
in support groups as credentialed professionals, we do not instruct or advise. We do, however, share from
our own personal experiences. We are unique individuals, and only we know what is best for our own health
(along with our doctor’s recommendations). Example: “In my experience, I have found…”
It’s o.k. not to share: People do not have to
share if they do not wish to.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to
make the groups a safe place to share: We respect confidentiality, treat each other with
respect and kindness and show compassion.
If you have any additional questions, no problem. Please e-mail us and just ask. We want you to have the information you need.
We look forward to seeing you at a support group soon!
