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.

A Suitable Place

A place to meet whether it be in your garage, a hall or even inside your house, the one important factor here is that it must be comfortable and available when you as a group need it.  The most ideal  sitting position is in a circle rather than the church style setup.

Rules to be followed

There are some important points that must be emphasized every time you meet, beside the ones you as a group will make later on:

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: words such as don't do this or don't do that. This must not be tolerated.

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: 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. This cannot be emphasized enough.

First  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

A critical foundation for those trying to cope with the disorder, in some places bipolar support groups are also called special interest groups (SIG), who form an important  part for many health organizations. Support groups help in the daily everyday struggles and  fill the emptiness of having medication. Informing about the new advancements in bipolar treatment or therapies available, support groups  generally helps patients to cope and serve as educators.

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.