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, are under the care of a physician and are stable and compliant with any
medications prescribed by their physician. Many attendees also see or have seen a therapist.
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. Our groups are also not "pity parties". 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 $15.00 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. Meetings also vary from time-to-time depending on the group composition. That's one of the unique, dynamic
features of a support group.
Please realize that these groups are general in nature and do not
focus on particular issues per se. Also, because we must give adequate time for all those in attendance to share, we cannot
take an inordinate amount of time dealing with a particular situation.
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. What if I have a question that is not addressed here?
We look forward to seeing you at a support group
soon!
