Support Groups for Family Members of BiPolar Individual

[mg42668]

My father was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, at age 70, after attempting suicide.  Needless to say it has been a very difficult time and I was wondering if there are any support groups for family members dealing with this disease.

[opus88]

HI, I would also like to see a support group for family members!
lets hope there is more interest MG

[BeeKeeper]

This might just be a community thing, but I live in the Milwaukee area and ther seems to be a few support groups around.  there is a support group at my wife's church that she attends to deal with me, and she is also getting ready to attend a family support group through the psychiatrict health system here to better understand DBT.

You may want to call your hospital/psychiatrict hospital to ask for any local groups or something affiliated with the hospital.  If you do attend a church, you may also want to ask the pastor/priest if they are aware of anything in any church.

good luck.

[goatgirl]

Aside from checking local churches in your area (which is a great place to start), I would suggest trying the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website.  On their home page you will find a link titled "Find Support" that you can click on to search for support groups by state.  The support group they offer is called "Family to Family" and from what I have heard it is a similar program to the 12-step program used at AA meetings.  I can't speak about the group from experience because I have not yet been able to join due to availability in my area, but from what I have heard the program is very helpful.  

Best of luck.