Not forgetting your daily medication that must be taken,  bipolar support groups allow those who share a common diagnosis or interest to gather for a common purpose. The main idea of these people  coming together is to share ideas on how to cope, and offer emotional support.  Most support groups are usually administered by someone who has some experience in these kinds of dialogue, but this must not dishearten you because it is not an important factor. To come together to just SHARE IDEAS. With the right tool you as a mother or a patient can form a bipolar support group and help those that are interested.

Finding Suitable 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.

Having 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 MUST stay inside.

No other sources: quoting from the bible or famous people must not be allowed into your meetings and everything shared must be from personal experience.

No preaching: words such as “don’t do that”. “don’t do this,”must not be allowed.

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: you must not allow anybody to drag somebody’s name down in these meetings.

JUST LISTEN: this cannot be emphasized enough. 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.

First  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 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.