Finding Support

Building a Support Network:

Support is essential to recovery. One of the most helpful things one person can say to (or hear from) another is “I’ve been there.” Depression and bipolar disorder are isolating illnesses.  Support groups bring people together who understand the up, downs and frustrations of depression or bipolar disorder. DBSA support groups are a safe confidential place to talk about and overcome the day-to-day and long-term challenges of mood disorders.

Anyone in your life can be a part of your support network.  Support is ongoing, through good times and bad. People in your support network are people you can turn to for help. They may be family, friends, co-workers, fellow support group participants, people you know from outpatient or inpatient treatment, people or leaders from your place of worship, neighbors, or anyone else you know.

Knowledge is power for the people in your support network.  You don’t need to tell everyone everything about you just enough so they know how to help you.  For example, you may want to give them a list of things they can do for you when you feel like isolating yourself.  If you tend to overspend, take someone with you when you shop.  If you need help recognizing your symptoms, give your support network a list of the things you might say or do that indicate your manic or depressive symptoms are worsening.

One of the best things about your support network is that support goes both ways.  You can also support others.  You don’t need any special qualification except an understanding of how a mood disorder feels.  You might be surprised how much it helps you to reach out to others in need. 

Support Contact List:

Transfer this list to a separate sheet of paper or computer file.  Make copies so you always have them on hand.

Health care professionals  
Name
Phone
                       
Family and friends
Name
Phone

Support group participants and fellow consumers
Name
Phone

Religious or spiritual guidance 
Name
Phone

Can DBSA support groups help people maintain better mental health?

• People who had been attending a DBSA group for more than a year were less likely to have been hospitalized in the past 12 months.
• The longer people had attended a DBSA group, the less likely they were to have stopped medication against medical advice, and the fewer barriers to treatment adherence they experienced.
• More than half of the people who were not adhering to their treatment plans when they began attending their DBSA groups became more adherent over time with continued group attendance. 

“Thank you so much for being there for me during these dark times. Attending the support group meetings has been a real lifeline for me and I am so grateful that they are there and available to us.” —DBSA support group participant

What happens at a DBSA support group meeting?

Self-help: DBSA support group meetings focus on mutual aid and strategies for living the fullest life possible. Participants continually seek to provide hope, reassurance and encouragement to one another. By sharing experiences, insights and ideas, people get peer-to-peer support from others who have “been there.” DBSA groups meet regularly and are completely free of charge.

Acceptance and safety: Participants make the group a safe place by fostering a supportive, trustworthy, respectful, non-judgmental atmosphere. All those attending have an opportunity to share strategies, tips, and experiences that can help others cope successfully with depression or bipolar disorder. Participants have the common goal of wanting to live successfully with their illness, and do not criticize the choices other group members make. Rather, they encourage each other to learn from the experiences shared and make their own informed decisions.

Confidentiality: What happens at a DBSA support group stays within the group. No one may reveal information about the people attending the group or what is said during the meeting. Exceptions to this policy are made only when the safety of an individual is in danger.

Peer leadership: Each support group meeting is facilitated by someone with depression or bipolar disorder or a family member. The facilitator guides discussion, provides focus to the group and helps ensure that group principles/rules are followed. Facilitators are oriented in group leadership, receive guidance and resources from DBSA staff, and have the opportunity to attend leadership training sponsored by DBSA. DBSA support groups are run by volunteer leaders of local DBSA chapters. These chapters also provide other services to the community. Many chapters host educational meetings, lead advocacy efforts, coordinate outreach efforts and more. Getting involved in chapter activities has proven to be helpful to thousands of DBSA participants.

"If it weren’t for the DBSA support groups I’d probably still be hurting myself and locking myself away for hours. Your group has taught me other ways of expressing myself. I’m starting to love myself again, and be happy with who I am." —DBSA support group participant

What does not happen at a DBSA support group meeting?

Therapy or treatment: Group attendance is a valuable supplement to professional care (whether that care includes medication, talk therapy or other treatment methods) but is not a substitute for it. Group participants do not seek to diagnose one another. DBSA, its chapters and its support groups do not endorse or recommend the use of any specific treatments or medications. Each individual should work with his or her own health care professional(s) to determine his or her best possible treatment plan.

A lecture by an expert: Although some meetings feature guest speakers or special lectures, most DBSA groups are of the “share/care” variety, in which everyone is encouraged to share, if they wish to.

A religion or a 12-step group: Group participants are not compelled to accept any particular set of beliefs or to follow any particular list of “steps”. It is understood that each person’s path toward wellness is unique.

A “pity party”: While participants often share the challenges of their lives and the feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression and bipolar disorder, groups focus on day-by-day coping, not on self-pity.

"I found my DBSA support group at a very low point in my life. Through this and other support networks, I have ‘gotten my life back together’ for the most part. I struggle with the illness on a daily basis, but I am functioning and again have hopes, dreams, and aspirations." —DBSA support group participant

How can I find a DBSA chapter?

Internet: At DBSA’s website (http://www.dbsalliance.org/), you can browse a listing of chapters by state or search by zip code. You can also find information about mood disorders, download brochures, take a screening test for depression or bipolar disorder and much more.

Phone: When you call (800) 826-3632 or (312) 642-0049, during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. Central time), someone will refer you to a chapter in your area and send you free educational materials if you would like them. After business hours, you may leave a message and your call will be promptly returned.

Start a chapter: DBSA can help you establish a chapter in your area, if there is not a chapter near you, or if you are seeking a special group (such as teens only). Simply contact our Chapter Relations staff at one of the numbers listed above, or e-mail chapters@dbsalliance.org, and we’ll be glad to help you get started.

“Nothing has a more important impact on the lives of people with mood disorders than our support groups. Meeting others who have gone through the same shadows and come out on the other side is priceless. It restores hope, faith and sometimes life itself.” —DBSA past Board Chair William P. Ashdown

page created: May 6, 2006

page updated: August 25, 2006