Besides the everyday medication that must be taken by a bipolar disorder victim, 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.
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 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: not be tolerated are words such as don’t do this or don’t do that.
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: 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 share all their frustrations in their everyday life with bipolar victims.
Ensuring no one living with bipolar disease or this mental condition feel alone again, the primary goal of most bipolar support groups is to provide important emotional support. Support groups can improve the physical health and well being of those taking part and a safety net for patients and caregivers.
Other Functions
A critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder, in some places support groups are also called special interest groups (SIG), who form an important part for many health organizations. Support groups help in the daily everyday struggles and fill the emptiness of having medication. Informing about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or therapies available, support groups generally helps patients to cope and serve as educators.
Online bipolar support groups
With modern technologies at our doorsteps, many have found this type of support network ideal for those living in rural areas or those who are scared of leaving their homes. Many use online support as a backup to the existing bipolar support groups in their area.
