Creating Your Own Bipolar Support Groups
Sunday, November 8th, 2009Besides the everyday medication that must be taken by a bipolar disorder victim, bipolar support groups allow those who share a common diagnosis or interest to come together. They come together to share ideas on how to cope, but most importantly, to offer emotional support. Most support groups are usually run by someone who has experience in these kinds of meetings. But this is not an important factor, because you as a mother or a patient can form a bipolar support group and help those that are interested to come together to just SHARE IDEAS.
Finding Suitable Place
A place to meet whether it be in your garage, a hall or even inside your house, the one important factor here is that it must be comfortable and available when you as a group need it. The most ideal sitting position is in a circle rather than the church style setup.
Having Rules to be followed
You as a group can make your own rules as a group, but here are some that you can begin with:
Confidentiality: everything shared must stay inside the meeting.
No other sources: everything shared must be from personal experience. There should be no quoting from the bible or famous people, it must not be allowed into your meetings.
No preaching: words such as “don’t do that”. “don’t do this,”must not be allowed.
Offer suggestions: these suggestions must be from personal experience like; I went through the same experience and I did this or my child had that same thing and I did this. Use non threatening suggestion.
No gossip: dragging somebody’s name down in these meetings must not be allowed.
JUST LISTEN: this cannot be emphasized enough. Most would come to a meeting not to have their problem solved but to have an opportunity to put out of their system all the frustrations of being involved with this mental illness.
First Goal
The primary goal of most bipolar support groups is to ensure that no one living with bipolar disease or this mental condition feel alone again, while at the same time providing important emotional support. Improving the physical health and well being of those taking part, support groups are more than just a safety net for patients or caregivers.
Other Functions
In some places bipolar support groups, also called special interest groups (SIG), form an integral part for many health organizations and a critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder. Support groups help fill the emptiness between medicine and the daily everyday struggles. It generally helps patients to cope and also serve as educators and inform about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or therapies available.
Support Groups Online
Many have found online support a great help, with modern technologies at our doorsteps. This online support network is ideal for those living in very remote areas or those who are scared of leaving the security of their homes. This online support can be a backup to the already existing bipolar support groups in the community.