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About DBSA Support Groups
“Knowing that I wasn’t going through this alone . . . that was my first break through.” –DBSA support group participant.
About DBSA Support Groups
Support is essential to recovery. One of the most helpful things a person could say to (or hear from) another is "I've been there." Depression and Bipolar disorder can be an isolating illness, but DBSA has many ways to help connect you with others who have been there as well.
As independent affiliates of DBSA in their communities, DBSA chapters offer more than 700 peer-run support groups where you will find comfort and direction in a confidential and supportive setting, and where you can make a difference in the life of you and others. The selection of services offered differs by chapter, depending upon the needs of its participants. Most support groups are volunteer run and provide self-help through facilitated meetings.
“Knowing that I wasn’t going through this alone . . . that was my first break through.” –DBSA support group participant
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 can be isolating illnesses, but DBSA has many ways to help connect you with others who have been there as well.
DBSA support groups provide the kind of sharing and caring that is crucial for a lifetime of wellness.
DBSA support groups:
- Give you the opportunity to reach out to others and benefit from the experience of those who have been there.
- Motivate you to follow your treatment plan.
- Help you understand that a mood disorder does not define who you are.
- Help you rediscover strengths and humor you may have thought you had lost.
- Provide a forum for mutual acceptance, understanding, and self-discovery.
Remember, support groups are not a substitute for professional care. DBSA chapters and support groups do not endorse or recommend the use of any specific treatment or medication. For advice about specific treatment or medication, individuals should consult their physician and/or mental health professionals.
Testimonials
- Since coming to DBSA, I couldn’t be more thankful for the extended family I have found within this group of people. People who understand, people who merely “get it.” I’ve found a network of people who don’t look at me like I’m crazy for the things I’ve done, the things I’ve been through, and the experiences that have shaped me for who I am. And for that, I am forever grateful.
- Great to meet people who share the same experiences. I thought I was alone and I found out there are so many people just like me! Definitely grateful that this group was recommended. Been attending for three years and have found the support to be awesome.
- When I came to my first DBSA meeting, I was frightened and under a great deal of stress about my wife’s illness and how it was affecting our family. I learned that I am not alone. I learned that many others had been through the same thing, and I found a network of people who gave me strength when I needed it most. Now I have the opportunity to help others as they support and care for their loved ones and find the relief that comes from sharing their stories.
- DBSA is a great, safe place where one can feel welcome and learn valuable listening and speaking skills. Income, race, age, gender preference, spirituality and other “differences” don’t count here. All you have to do is show up, follow a few rules about respect and privacy and be willing to care about other people with similar challenges. Each of us can help another, sometimes just by presence.
- After becoming open about my struggles with suicidality and bipolar disorder, the world became a brighter place, and I created genuine relationships with people, almost for the first time.
- For me, this support group is a place where we can let our hair down. We can talk about the things people say to us that make us feel bad. A lot of us have experienced the same types of discrimination and can say “Yeah, I’ve heard that too. I understand.”
- As a person living with mental health conditions, participating in this group gives me a sense of community and something to look forward to. When I’m having a bad day, I know someone will be there to listen.
Files coming soon.
TESTIMONIALS
Since coming to DBSA, I couldn’t be more thankful for the extended family I have found within this group of people. People who understand, people who merely “get it.” I’ve found a network of people who don’t look at me like I’m crazy for the things I’ve done, the things I’ve been through, and the experiences that have shaped me for who I am. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Great to meet people who share the same experiences. I thought I was alone and I found out there are so many people just like me! Definitely grateful that this group was recommended. Been attending for three years and have found the support to be awesome.
When I came to my first DBSA meeting, I was frightened and under a great deal of stress about my wife’s illness and how it was affecting our family. I learned that I am not alone. I learned that many others had been through the same thing, and I found a network of people who gave me strength when I needed it most. Now I have the opportunity to help others as they support and care for their loved ones and find the relief that comes from sharing their stories.
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