POLICIES
We at DBSA NCA strive to provide an environment where all can share comfortably, and support each other. Please join us in following these sharing guidelines in order to help foster a safe space for all.
Meeting Sharing Guidelines
- Peer Support: We are a peer support group for adults with mood disorders. Family and friends may attend the relevant groups listed on the chapter website: General Resources
- Share the air: We want everyone to have the opportunity to share. Time is limited, so we ask that everyone be respectful of other participants’ share-time needs.The facilitator may sometimes need to respectfully and gently interrupt participants to put closure on their share, to ensure there is enough time for everyone to share.
- Give Back: We recognize that we often benefit as much by supporting others as we do by receiving support.
- One person shares at a time: Each person will be allowed to share without interruptions or side conversations.
- What is shared here stays here: This essential principle of confidentiality must be respected by all. Both who attends and what is said must be kept confidential.
- Differences of opinion are okay: We are all entitled to our own point of view, and we can agree to disagree.
- We are all equal: We are a diverse group and accept all types of differences and promote their acceptance. We assume in good faith that everyone belongs and is valid.
- Use “I statements”: Because we do not participate in support group as credentialed professionals, we do not instruct or advise. Please refrain from making “You should” statements. We are unique individuals, and only we, along with our doctors and therapists, must determine what is best for our own health. “I statement” examples: “In my experience I have found…” or “I feel hurt when you say…”
- It’s okay not to share: Participants do not have to share if they do not wish to.
- Please refrain from disruptive behavior: Disruptive behavior, harassment, or use of inappropriate or hurtful language, may result in action from the facilitator or DBSA NCA Board in order to foster an environment where members of the group can share safely. Please see our policies outlined below.
- It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the discussion groups a safe place to share: We respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness, and show compassion.