Bipolar support groups allow those who share a common diagnosis or interest to come together. This is  besides the everyday medication that must be taken by a bipolar disorder victim, to offer emotional support. These people come together to share ideas and offer  ideas on how to cope.  While most support groups are usually led by someone who has experience in these kinds of meeting, it is not an important factor. What is important here is to just “SHARE IDEAS,” because mothers, parents or patients can form a bipolar support group and help those that are interested.

Finding Suitable Place

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

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: There should be no quoting from the bible or famous people, everything shared must be from personal experience.

No preaching: not be tolerated are words such as don’t do this or don’t do that.

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: If you don’t allow anything to get out, 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.

Primary Goal

While providing important emotional support, 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. Support groups are more than just a safety net for patients or caregivers for they can also improve the physical health and well being of those taking part.

Other Functions

Bipolar support groups, are also called special interest groups (SIG), and forms an integral part for many health organizations and a critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder or trauma. These  groups help fill the emptiness between medicine and the daily everyday headaches.  It helps patients to serve as educators, cope and also inform about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or any available treatment.

Online bipolar support groups

With modern technologies at our doorsteps, many have found online support a great help. This type of support network is ideal for those living in rural areas or those who are scared of leaving the security of their homes. Many use online support as a backup to their existing bipolar support groups in their community.