SUPPORT GROUPSDBSA Support Groups provide a caring environment for people to come together to discuss their challenges and successes in living with a mood disorder. We provide a forum for mutual understanding, self-discovery, and finding a path to wellness with support from others who have been there.
We have several types of support groups. Among the groups we have for peers with mood disorders, some are for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. See below for more information. Events and Google CalendarWe have resumed in person meetings. Please see the Google calendar for addresses and COVID-19 policy for each host space.
We are utilizing Zoom to allow participants to connect virtually. For dial-in instructions, please see the Google calendar. To access events and see details, such as in person meeting location or virtual link, you will need to click on the event title (i.e. "Silver Spring Meeting"). The calendar is on the right of this text on desktop, and below the meeting list on mobile. In Person Support Groups - See Calendar for DetailsTuesday
Virtual Support Groups - See Calendar for DetailsSunday
*locations here denote in-person origin; you are welcome to join any appropriate virtual peer group regardless of location. Google Calendar Links |
Use the lower righthand icon (+GoogleCalendar) to add these events to your Google Calendar for easy access.
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Meeting Guidelines
- Peer Support: We are a peer support group for adults with depression or bipolar disorder. Youth with depression or bipolar disorder as well as 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 do not exclude unseen identities, and 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 may result in action from the facilitator in order to foster an environment where members of the group can share safely. Please see our policy 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.