How to create your own Support Groups
Besides 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.
Suitable Meeting Place
In your garage, a hall or even inside your house, every group must have a place to meet and available when you as a group need it. Another important factor here is that it must be comfortable. Sitting in a circle rather than a church style setup is your ideal sitting set up.
Some Rules to be followed
While you as a group will make your own rules later on, there are some important points that must be emphasized every time you meet.
Confidentiality: everything shared inside a meeting must not be said or used outside the meeting place.
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: it is good to offer suggestions with all suggestions be from personal experience like; Use non threatening suggestion I went through the same experience and I did this or my child had that same thing and I did this.
No gossip: If you don’t allow anything to get out, you must not allow anybody to drag somebody’s name down in these meetings.
JUST LISTEN: 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. This cannot be emphasized enough.
Primary 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
Bipolar support groups, are also called special interest groups (SIG), and forms an integral part for many health organizations and a critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder or trauma. These groups help fill the emptiness between medicine and the daily everyday headaches. It helps patients to serve as educators, cope and also inform about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or any available treatment.
Support Groups by 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.