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

Every group must have a place to meet and it can be in your garage, a hall or even inside your house. One important factor here is that it must be comfortable and available when you as a group need it. And your ideal sitting set up would be to sit in a circle rather than a church style setup.

Some  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: 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 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

In some places bipolar support groups, also called special interest groups (SIG), form an integral part for many health organizations and a critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder. Support groups help fill the emptiness between medicine and the daily everyday struggles.  It generally helps patients to cope and also serve as educators and inform about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or therapies available.

Support Groups by 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.