Stroke of Panic

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.

Suitable Meeting 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

There are some important points that must be emphasized every time you meet, beside the ones you as a group will make later on:

Confidentiality: everything shared inside MUST stay inside.

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: words such as don't do this or don't do that. This must not be tolerated.

Offer suggestions: Use non threatening suggestion. All  suggestions must be from personal experience like; “my child had that same thing and I did this” or “ I went through the same experience and I did this.”

No gossip: dragging somebody's name down in these meetings must not be  allowed.

JUST LISTEN: 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. This cannot be emphasized enough.

Primary 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

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 by Online

With modern technologies at our doorsteps, many have found online support a great help. This type of support network is ideal for those living in rural areas or those who are scared of leaving the security of their homes. Many use online support as a backup to their existing bipolar support groups in their community.

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When Someone You Love Is Bipolar: Help And Support For You And Your Partner $11.19 When bipolar disorder afflicts the person you love you suffer too. How have other couples learned to manage the relationship strains caused by this illness? What can you do to provide your partner with truly helpful nurturance and support? No one cares more deeply about these questions than Dr. Cynthia Last a highly regarded therapist/researcher who also has bipolar disorder. Sharing stories and solutions from her own experience and the couples she has treated Dr. Last offers heartfelt practical guidance for getting through the out-of-control highs and the devastating lows--together. Learn how you can help your spouse come to terms with a bipolar diagnosis get the most out of treatment and reduce or prevent future mood episodes while also taking care of yourself.

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