DBSA provides peer-led spaces for open and supportive conversations about living with a mood disorder. These spaces help dispel stigma and loneliness by reminding us that there is someone who understands what you’re going through. The DBSA support group model is peer-led and peer-centered, offering room to share your journey and connect with others who relate.
Myths Vs. Reality
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Real Talk by asking local chapter facilitators and community members to share common misconceptions about mood disorders that come up in their groups—and how they address them. We hope these insights are helpful in your daily life.
Myth: You need to have fully “recovered” in order to help others.
Reality:
Mood disorders, by nature, fluctuate. Recovery is not the complete absence of symptoms. It means spending more time living your life than actively managing symptoms. I live with cyclothymia, which is a milder but more persistent form of bipolar disorder. While my episodes are shorter and less intense than those of Bipolar I or II, I am not usually fully “stable” for more than two months at a time. However, I think it is important to share my experiences while feeling hypomanic and depressed, because others may be feeling similarly. I know I have gotten a lot out of hearing others speak openly about their experiences, too.
Caroline, DBSA City of Angels
Myth: The two biggest misconceptions I hear in groups usually come from newly diagnosed and/or new group members, who often believe that they are their diagnosis and that they are completely alone.
Reality:
In terms of feeling alone, I always make the person feel welcome and remind them that they are in a safe, judgment-free place. Everyone who attends is a peer. We have been there, and we can help. When a member cannot seem to separate themselves from their diagnosis, I find it is best to remind them of who they are. Just as someone with the flu would not let that define them, having a mood disorder diagnosis does not define you as a person.
Matt, DBSA Arlington Heights
We talk about the things that make a person who they are, not what they are. Having bipolar disorder is only one part of a person and not their whole essence.
Bonnie, DBSA Hope & Cope
Myth: People do not or cannot understand what I am going through.
Reality:
I try to always be honest and upfront about my own illness and experiences. Denial and hiding things help no one. Not ourselves and not those around us.
Laurie, DBSA Hope & Cope
Myth: A common topic from members is a misperception held by friends and family that a person can just “snap out of” their mood disorder, usually depression.
Reality:
The suggested response, from personal experience, is usually to compare mood disorders to other chronic conditions, such as diabetes. We also welcome friends and family members to our meetings on the first meeting of every month.
Rob, DBSA Boulder
We will continue to update this page as we receive more feedback from our chapter community. In the meantime, head over to our Mental Health Awareness Month page to learn more about what we’re doing throughout May.
