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
and are under the care of a physician. Many attendees also see or have seen a therapist.
A SUPPORT GROUP IS NOT
APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE WHO IS IN THE MIDST OF MAJOR MANIA OR IN THE DEPTHS OF DEEP DEPRESSION. IN THOSE CASES, WE RECOMMEND
THAT YOU FIRST SEEK MORE IMMEDIATE AND PERSONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. IN AN EMERGENCY,
YOU MAY ALWAYS CALL 911.
1. Occasionally, another attendee may say something that could
be an emotional trigger for you.
2. A wide range of personalities exists at a given meeting. There
is strength in diversity.
3. An array of opinions may be offered. Don't be offended if you disagree
with a particular statement.
4. Our groups are not "pity parties". We seek to offer hope, help and encouragement.
5. We do not discuss medication by name nor do we suggest specific treatments.
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. 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
$20.00 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, 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. Also, because we must give adequate time for all those in attendance to share, we cannot
always 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 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. Are there group guidelines?
Here is a summary of our guidelines:
All attendees are
asked to follow these guidelines while participating in a DBSA Metro Atlanta support group:
- Share the air: We
want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to share. Time is limited, though, so we ask that everyone be respectful
of other participants' share-time needs.
- Give back:
We recognize that we often benefit as much by supporting others as we do by sharing our own struggles, triumphs, and
experiences.
- One person shares at a time: Each person should be allowed
to share without interruptions or side conversations.
What is shared here stays
here: This is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected
by all.
Differences of opinion are o.k.: We are all
entitled to our own point of view.
We are all equal: Accept
cultural, linguistic, social and racial differences and promote their acceptance.
Use
“I” language: Because we do not participate in support groups as
credentialed professionals, we do not instruct or advise. We do, however, share from our own personal experiences.
We are unique individuals, and only we know what is best for our own health (along with our doctor’s recommendations).
Example: “In my experience, I have found…”
It’s o.k.
not to share: People do not have to share if they do not wish to.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the groups a safe place to share:
We respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness and show compassion.
If you have any additional questions,
no problem. 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!
