Get support...
See a list of our support groups.
Check the calendar for upcoming meetings.
Review special notes and our support group guidelines.
Get answers to common questions about our support groups.
Check the calendar for upcoming meetings.
Review special notes and our support group guidelines.
Get answers to common questions about our support groups.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
Our in-person support groups are currently suspended, except for our Marietta Group, which requires registration. Regular online groups and periodic phone-based groups are available.
See details for all options below.
Our in-person support groups are currently suspended, except for our Marietta Group, which requires registration. Regular online groups and periodic phone-based groups are available.
See details for all options below.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT:
By participating in any meetings, you are indicating that you have read Special Notes, Support Group Guidelines and Common Questions below and are in full agreement with all policies.
Please e-mail us with any questions.
By participating in any meetings, you are indicating that you have read Special Notes, Support Group Guidelines and Common Questions below and are in full agreement with all policies.
Please e-mail us with any questions.
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REGULAR ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS
Everyone, regardless of whether you subscribe to our newsletter or not, can take part in online groups.*
*Note: If a meeting shows full, you may still be able to participate in a group by choosing to be added to the wait list. In addition, visit SupportGroupsCentral for other groups available for free or for a nominal charge. And, check out Hey Peers! for peer conversations and meetings. |
PERIODIC PHONE-BASED SUPPORT GROUPS
Our next phone-based group is scheduled for: TBD
These teleconferences are limited.* *Note: Calls are limited to newsletter subscribers for whom we have an active, current email address. To subscribe, click here for details. If you currently subscribe but are not receiving group emails about these calls, please e-mail us with the name of your subscription and request to be added. |
Support Groups: Meeting Times/Locations/Directions
Below you will find information for each of our groups. Please pay close attention to meeting days/times as well as to directions, including additional details such as building maps or parking information.
Verify any last-minute changes/cancellations by checking our calendar.
Verify any last-minute changes/cancellations by checking our calendar.
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MARIETTA GROUP-SPECIAL DETAILS
Our Marietta meetings are now taking place--see days/times below. Registration (2 steps) is required. If you are interested in attending a meeting: 1. Please e-mail us (put "Marietta Info" for subject) and indicate your interest. We'll send details and registration information. 2. If--after receiving and reviewing the information--you decide to attend, please follow the instructions to register by 9:00 PM, Wednesday, the night before any Thursday meeting you wish to attend. You will need to register (steps 1 & 2) separately each time you plan to attend a meeting. |
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VIRTUAL & PHONE GROUPS
*See complete details above. Meeting Times: Varying times Location: Phone/Online Online: Available to anyone. Phone: For active newsletter subscribers. Newsletter Subscription Information Click here for DBSA Online Support Groups. Click Here to e-mail us with any questions. 
DUNWOODY GROUP
*This group is not currently meeting. Meeting Times: 7:30-9:00 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month Location: Library (2nd Floor) St. Luke's Presbyterian Church 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Directions to St. Luke's Presbyterian Church Click here (PDF) for location/entrance details. Click Here for Step-by-Step Directions 
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MARIETTA GROUP
*Registration required. See information above. Meeting Times: 7:00-8:30 PM 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month Location: Room 338 Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068. Directions to Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Click here for Building Maps. Click Here for Step-by-Step Directions 
ATLANTA/EMORY GROUP
*This group is not currently meeting. Meeting Times: 7:30-9:00 PM 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month Location: Eventide Room, Budd Terrace Wesley Woods Center, Emory University 1833 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329. Directions to Budd Terrace Check for Guest Speakers. Click Here for Step-by-Step Directions 
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Important Note: Our Smyrna Group has been permanently discontinued.
Calendar
Click here for our monthly calendar.
Always check our calendar to verify any last-minute changes/cancellations prior to attending a meeting. We may cancel a meeting due to weather-related issues or other circumstances that arise. Meetings may also dismiss early should weather concerns develop.
Always check our calendar to verify any last-minute changes/cancellations prior to attending a meeting. We may cancel a meeting due to weather-related issues or other circumstances that arise. Meetings may also dismiss early should weather concerns develop.
Special Notes
SUPPORT GROUPS ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE ANY OF THE TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. SUPPORT GROUPS ARE PURELY NON-PROFESSIONAL, PEER-BASED OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE PERSONAL THOUGHTS. NO ADVISORY, EDUCATIONAL OR MEDICAL SERVICES OF ANY KIND ARE PROVIDED.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ANY DISCUSSION TO BE GENERAL IN NATURE AND NOT NECESSARILY DIRECTLY APPLICABLE TO YOUR SITUATION. ATTENDEES WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE TO INTERNALIZING OR TAKING GROUP COMMENTS PERSONALLY SHOULD CONSIDER WHETHER ATTENDING A GROUP AT A PARTICULAR TIME IS ADVISABLE. ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC CASE. THE FOCUS IS ON OFFERING MUTUAL SUPPORT TO HELP ENCOURAGE AND MAINTAIN WELLNESS. WE WANT ATTENDING A GROUP TO BE A POSITIVE, BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO ATTEND.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIGN UP TO ATTEND A GROUP. PICK THE LOCATION AND TIME CONVENIENT FOR YOU, AND SIMPLY SHOW UP. PLEASE CHECK OUR CALENDAR FIRST TO MAKE SURE THAT A MEETING HAS NOT BE CHANGED OR CANCELED. *PLEASE SEE EXCEPTIONS UNDER "MORE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS" BELOW.
IT IS VERY DISRUPTIVE WHEN ATTENDEES ARRIVE AFTER MEETINGS START. IF YOU MUST ARRIVE LATE, PLEASE ENTER QUIETLY. THE FACILITATOR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP TO GREET YOU. TO ENSURE CONTINUITY, THE MEETING WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. YOU MAY SHARE IF TIME PERMITS.
IT IS LIKEWISE DISRUPTIVE WHEN ATTENDEES LEAVE EARLY WITHOUT NOTICE. IF YOU INTEND TO LEAVE A MEETING EARLY, PLEASE INFORM THE FACILITATOR AT THE START OF THE GROUP.
A SUPPORT GROUP IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE IN THE MIDST OF MANIA OR IN THE DEPTHS OF DEPRESSION. IN THOSE CASES, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU FIRST SEEK MORE IMMEDIATE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL 911.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR--SUCH AS RAISING YOUR VOICE, UTTERING INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS, MAKING THREATENING ACTIONS--CANNOT BE TOLERATED. OUR GROUPS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE WHO CANNOT MAINTAIN COMPOSURE AND SHOW RESPECT FOR EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE.
OUR MEETINGS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR GROUP THERAPY. IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH A PERSONAL MATTER THAT REQUIRES IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION, IT IS BEST TO FIRST CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL. WE ARE UNABLE TO SPEND EXTENSIVE TIME ON ANY ONE SUBJECT.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ANY DISCUSSION TO BE GENERAL IN NATURE AND NOT NECESSARILY DIRECTLY APPLICABLE TO YOUR SITUATION. ATTENDEES WHO MAY BE VULNERABLE TO INTERNALIZING OR TAKING GROUP COMMENTS PERSONALLY SHOULD CONSIDER WHETHER ATTENDING A GROUP AT A PARTICULAR TIME IS ADVISABLE. ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC CASE. THE FOCUS IS ON OFFERING MUTUAL SUPPORT TO HELP ENCOURAGE AND MAINTAIN WELLNESS. WE WANT ATTENDING A GROUP TO BE A POSITIVE, BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO ATTEND.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIGN UP TO ATTEND A GROUP. PICK THE LOCATION AND TIME CONVENIENT FOR YOU, AND SIMPLY SHOW UP. PLEASE CHECK OUR CALENDAR FIRST TO MAKE SURE THAT A MEETING HAS NOT BE CHANGED OR CANCELED. *PLEASE SEE EXCEPTIONS UNDER "MORE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS" BELOW.
IT IS VERY DISRUPTIVE WHEN ATTENDEES ARRIVE AFTER MEETINGS START. IF YOU MUST ARRIVE LATE, PLEASE ENTER QUIETLY. THE FACILITATOR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP TO GREET YOU. TO ENSURE CONTINUITY, THE MEETING WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. YOU MAY SHARE IF TIME PERMITS.
IT IS LIKEWISE DISRUPTIVE WHEN ATTENDEES LEAVE EARLY WITHOUT NOTICE. IF YOU INTEND TO LEAVE A MEETING EARLY, PLEASE INFORM THE FACILITATOR AT THE START OF THE GROUP.
A SUPPORT GROUP IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE IN THE MIDST OF MANIA OR IN THE DEPTHS OF DEPRESSION. IN THOSE CASES, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU FIRST SEEK MORE IMMEDIATE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL 911.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR--SUCH AS RAISING YOUR VOICE, UTTERING INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS, MAKING THREATENING ACTIONS--CANNOT BE TOLERATED. OUR GROUPS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE WHO CANNOT MAINTAIN COMPOSURE AND SHOW RESPECT FOR EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE.
OUR MEETINGS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR GROUP THERAPY. IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH A PERSONAL MATTER THAT REQUIRES IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION, IT IS BEST TO FIRST CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL. WE ARE UNABLE TO SPEND EXTENSIVE TIME ON ANY ONE SUBJECT.
Support Group Guidelines
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Common Questions
1. Who can attend the groups? Our support groups are open to anyone over the age of 18 with a mood disorder, like bipolar disorder or depression, as well as to caring family members and friends of those affected by these conditions. If you're seeking resources for adolescents dealing with mood disorders, click here.
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 live with a mood disorder: 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.
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:
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 to either our Atlanta (Emory) group or our Dunwoody group, the only two groups where we may be able to make arrangements. NOTE: We respond to all e-mails. If you do not see a reply within a reasonable time, please check you spam and permit receipt of our e-mails.
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.
Regardless of the location, you will find a core of fairly regular attendees coupled with newcomers at most any meeting. A variety of topics are discussed, such as depression support, bipolar support, family support, vocational concerns, relationship issues, doctor/therapist matters, general medication questions*, etc. Groups typically cover a broad range of thoughts and insights. *We do not discuss medication by name/dosage. Any discussion should be general in nature.
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. 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!
6. How are the meetings conducted? The meetings are rather informal; however, they are facilitated by a trained peer (not a medical professional) 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. Because we must give adequate time for all those in attendance to share, we cannot 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 may decide to proceed by discussing matters mutually beneficial for everyone present. If any uncomfortable subjects or questions arise, hold discussion for the following meeting.
Usually there will be someone there who has attended the group previously. That individual can help keep the meeting going to the extent possible. 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. When you do attend a meeting, you can decide how much you desire to share. You are always free to simply listen, as that can be of tremendous benefit. We want you to get what you need from our support groups.
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 maintaining wellness. 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 additional questions? We welcome your questions. 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!
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 live with a mood disorder: 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.
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:
- Occasionally, an attendee may say something that could emotionally trigger you.
- A wide range of personalities exists at meetings. There is strength in diversity.
- Don't be offended if you disagree with a particular opinion someone shares.
- Our groups are not "pity parties". We seek to offer hope, help and encouragement.
- We do not discuss medication by name/dosage nor do we suggest specific treatments.
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 to either our Atlanta (Emory) group or our Dunwoody group, the only two groups where we may be able to make arrangements. NOTE: We respond to all e-mails. If you do not see a reply within a reasonable time, please check you spam and permit receipt of our e-mails.
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.
Regardless of the location, you will find a core of fairly regular attendees coupled with newcomers at most any meeting. A variety of topics are discussed, such as depression support, bipolar support, family support, vocational concerns, relationship issues, doctor/therapist matters, general medication questions*, etc. Groups typically cover a broad range of thoughts and insights. *We do not discuss medication by name/dosage. Any discussion should be general in nature.
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. 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!
6. How are the meetings conducted? The meetings are rather informal; however, they are facilitated by a trained peer (not a medical professional) 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. Because we must give adequate time for all those in attendance to share, we cannot 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 may decide to proceed by discussing matters mutually beneficial for everyone present. If any uncomfortable subjects or questions arise, hold discussion for the following meeting.
Usually there will be someone there who has attended the group previously. That individual can help keep the meeting going to the extent possible. 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. When you do attend a meeting, you can decide how much you desire to share. You are always free to simply listen, as that can be of tremendous benefit. We want you to get what you need from our support groups.
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 maintaining wellness. 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 additional questions? We welcome your questions. 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!