About Group• About the Support Group• Support Group Protocol • Why People Need Support Groups • About the Facilitators • Why We Avoid Support Groups
About the Support GroupThe group commences with a brief acknowledgement of the attendees i.e. acknowledging new attendees, what medications taking, and how feeling. The group then separates into two groups: those with mood disorders, and family and friends of those with mood disorders. Those with a mood disorder must be seeing a physician and taking medication. There is no cost to attend the support group, however donations are greatly appreciated to cover the copying of reading material and snacks. Meetings are moderated by group members who are diagnosed with the illnesses. Since there are no paid staff members, volunteerism is encouraged - at each meeting "Volunteer Opportunities" print out will be posted. Look forward to holiday parties and summer picnics. We ask that members be at least 21 years or older. We are considering starting a support group for young adults. Remember... you are no longer alone.Support Group Protocola. The support group does not endorse medications. Consult your doctor before making medication or therapy changes. What works for one person, may not work for another. b. Use "I" statements. Share your experiences. Do not make suggestions or give advice unless the person asks for it. It's ok to ask questions/get clarification. The group is not a therapy session. c. When someone is sharing, give him/her your attention. No sidebar comments. d. Everything that is said in the meetings is kept confidential. We don't gossip about meetings, or share personal information with others outside of the group. We do not allow observers. e. Be considerate of time. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share. f. Be respectful of different opinions/experiences. Support Group meetings are safe and non-confrontational. g. Visit other meetings. In between meetings contact others by phone. We encourage members to call others when needing or seeking support during the week. However, social interaction outside of meetings is voluntary. h. If an attendee violates the guidelines, is deemed offensive or threatening in action or person by the facilitator, attendee may be asked to leave.
Why People Need Support GroupsAttending a support group is often difficult at first. It takes time to feel comfortable sharing your problems with people you do not know. However, the experience of many family members and people with psychiatric diagnoses is that once they opened up, they found that their problems were not so different from other group members. Suddenly, the people they were sharing with were not strangers at all, and by sharing with others in the same situation they felt less alone. If you are having difficulty talking to family or friends about your feelings, you may find that it is easier to express yourself in a support group.• You can be honest with others who are facing similar problems • It can help you feel more in control of your life • It helps you understand more about the disease • You can hear how others have coped or are coping • By sharing and hearing from others it can be easier to problem solve and make difficult decisions • It can help you be better prepared and less devastated as your condition or family members situation changes • You may be able to find some hope from hearing from others who have survived the experience • It can give you encouragement and moral support • It can help you rebuild damaged self-esteem • It can become a second family especially if you are not receiving help from family or friends If you are a member of the support group and you are not happy with the way you see it going, you have the responsibility and the permission to speak about it. It is your group and you are an important part of it.
About the FacilitatorsBrenda Navarro received a BA in Political Science from U.C. Davis in 1970 and a Masters in Education teaching degree from Santa Clara University. She taught at Mission College in Santa Clara, California and retired in 2000.Brenda was diagnosed with Rapid Cycling Bipolar I illness (Manic Depression) in 1988 by Dr. Berger, Professor at Stanford University. Shortly thereafter, she attended her first support group in San Jose, California. "It was exciting and a relief to be able to share with others our challenging journeys and our feelings about being diagnosed with this illness." Seeing the need for more support groups in the area, Brenda started her first support group at Stanford University. Establishing the group and facilitating when she could, was the beginning of her desire as a mental health advocate. In December of 2000, Brenda was hospitalized and the news spread to the college of where she was employed. The college attempted to fire Brenda based on her illness, and fought back as she would not allow her job and financial stability to be taken away. She filed union grievances; 503 Federal Labor Code violation, and a workers compensation law suit. She won her legal battle. This experience propelled her even more to educate the public about Bipolar Disorder/ Major Depression, and to address the stigma that surrounds these mental disorders. After retiring from teaching and moving to Benicia, California, Brenda attended her first Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) conference in 2001; a national organization devoted to educating the public about Bipolar Disorder/ Major Depression and lobbying for the passing of bills that benefit mental health communities throughout the U.S. Inspired by the conference, Brenda started a DBSA support group chapter in Napa, California in 2003, launched a website in 2004 (www.NapaBipolarDepression.org), and registered as a non-profit organization in 2006. Facilitating DBSA support group meetings has provided Brenda with a venue to help educate and support family members, and to encourage wellness and recovery for those who suffer from the illness. She and her co-facilitators strive to provide hope that the illness can be successfully medicated, and a strong belief system that those with the illness will be able to return to the community, and have healthy relationships.
Top 10 Reasons Why Depressives & Manic Depressives Avoid Support Groups10. The meeting places are too far away and too hard to find. 9. Too tired after a long day at school/work. 8. Don't have the money (it's free except for gas to get there). 7. Not sure if I really am depressive/manic-depressive. 6. Can't get support from strangers. 5. Too embarrassed to talk about this in public. 4. Don't like going places by myself. 3. Somebody I know might recognize me. 2. Why bother? Nothing Helps anyway. And the number 1 reason... 1. Just not in the mood right now. |
Suicide Hotlines
Napa County Mental Health Nine Line for Teens
Reminders Remember that when I feel suicidal, my brain is lying to me and making things seem worse than they are.
Remember to take any prescribed medications and stick with my treatment plan.
Remember that my life is valuable and worthwhile, even if it doesn't feel that way right now.
The Short list of famous/talented people with Manic Depression. We're really not alone.
What Members Say "I have made friends by attending the group and now have someone to call when when I need to talk."
"Sometimes when I share about my experiences it lifts the weight off my shoulders, and even sometimes, I laugh."
"I thought I was the only one who experienced those really odd thoughts."
"As a family member of someone with Bipolar Illness, listening to the group really explains quite a bit and I understand better."
Coping with a Loved One's Depression or Bipolar Disorder
• Learn all you can about your loved one's illness. Stay informed about the latest treatments.
• Remind yourself that your loved one's illness is not your fault or theirs.
• Resist the urge to be a "fixer". Be loving and supportive, but know that your loved one is ultimately responsible for his or her own treatment and lifestyle choices.
• Work on seeing the difference between your loved one's true personality and his or her illness.
• Recognize when your loved one is having symptoms and realize that communication may be more difficult during these times.
• Know that symptoms such as social withdrawal come from the illness and are probably not a reaction to you. During less symptomatic times, ask your loved one to help you make a list of things you can do or say that would be helpful.
• Visit DBSA's Friends and Family discussion forums to hear how other friends and family members are coping.
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Personal Stories : DBSA Chat : Directions : Contact © 2004-2008 Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Napa Chapter |
