Support groups

[GeorgiaAnnie]

Do any of you regularly attend support groups that are helpful?
How are they affiliated?

[ILADVOCATE]

Mostly I present before consumer groups and it depends on who they are to say how well run they are. Those are usually associated with mental health clinics and are peer run. Groups run by consumers can or cannot be effective depending on how well the people moderate them. I did attend NAMI support groups in the past. I have a good opinion of them. I know some of the independent living centers have support groups for people with a variety of disabiliites. Any of those would be helpful as well. The only group I had a poor impression of was OCD anonymous. There is another schizophrenics anonymous as well. Its not that 12 step groups can't be helpful for people. I just don't think it applies to a standard psychiatric disability unless a person has engaged in specific behavior they need to take steps to stop.

[Dave824]

I go to a support group that is at my  mental health center.  I go every thursday and it helps me out so much

[LeftCoastChick]

I'm in 2, one is just to talk about issues, and get feedback which is wonderful, the second is called Changeways, which we work through modules on how to change the cycle of negative feelings, thoughts and actions. It's invaluable to me in my recovery.
Both are groups out of my hospital.

[Jester2005]

I did... I used to go to a mood disorder group through the mental health centre, but for me it wasn't helpful at the time because I was the youngest by at least 10yrs and felt jealous that they all seemed to have managed their illness while I was just diagnosed and not treated... maybe I should go back? I dunno...

[ILADVOCATE]

Probably worth going back with that new perspective and in general groups now are seperated by age range.

[ohanamama]

To me, there are two types of groups, 1)  Support and 2) Self Help.  Support Groups are places to go and feel safe.  Lead by others with medical conditions like ours, opinions are shared by all, and comfort is widely given while tears flow.  The discussions are personal and individualized making this the place to be when your chin is on the ground.  

Self-Help groups relieve a different pain.  In this setting professionals teach you the steps necessary to better yourself and your position.  From there you take the situation at hand -- understand it, improve it, and learn that what was a downturn in your life can actually be a better day.

With Support Groups you should find one where all the people in the group share the same issues, in that all are BiPolar, or all are Depressed, etc..  As this is open discussion it is critical that everyone can relate to medications discussed, procedures, Hospitals, etc.

With Self-Help Groups, this situation is quite the opposite.  I have found that the skills learned for minimizing stress are universal.  (Deep breathing, imagery, exercise, etc.). whether your stress is causing depression issues or social anxiety problems.  Pain minimization techniques are interchangeable across situations also (stretch/flex, acupuncture, ice/heat, etc.).  Therefore whether you have fibromyalgia or cancer, most any self-help group will do.

Bottom line, for me, groups are invaluable.  One of the worst things that this, and any chronic, incurable disorder does to us is isolate us.  "There is no one out there like me.  "I'm the only one that...  "No one else but me can .....  To be with others who also "are the ones who....,, even if for only for 45 minutes out of a month, make you feel incredible!  Good luck finding a good group, though.  it's not always easy.

[GeorgiaAnnie]

One of the worst things that this, and any chronic, incurable disorder does to us is isolate us.

Yep.  Thanks for the feedback.
My support group works at Waffle House across street..
Self-help...group....

Also connected at church if I show....
Thank god for online forum (this one!)