My city does not have a support group for people with mental illnesses (yet). My parents however joined NAMl in the area for people that have loved ones that have mental illnesses. I am wondering what groups discuss and how they are run in your area. I am wanting to talk to NAMl and get something started In my city.

Peace!

Ask u NAM l chapter about a local Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). They have support groups almost everywhere.

Each group is a little different. The one l go to is pretty high functioning. Some r less so. Each caters to its audience. Mine starts with introductions that include first name, diagnosis, medication, & sometimes an answer to an off the wall question. Meanwhile a question pad goes around the room for ppl to ask anonymously whatever they want to ask. The mod reads the questions & discussion ensues. Sometimes there r a lot of ppl, sometimes a few. There always is turnover. It is a come as u like & showing up late is fine. The only rules r to be respectful which comes naturally to this crowd & no discussion about doctors.

Oh, yeah, l have bipolar, too.

For several years l was an intermediary in the manic depression of Ca. along withdoing a twenty four hour crisis line. Its pretty easy to form ur own support group. One thing u must do is make sure at least one officer or leader is stable. We also set up a bank account whereas at least two people had tosign a check because Bi-polars r notorious around money. My biggest piece of advice if u form a group work with medical community rather than against it We learned so much more that way. It would be the best way l know of for bi-polars to share their illness & social problems. It is a wonderful outreeach to others like yourself & to ur families.

l live in the St Louis area and there are several Bi Polar groups here. Getting ahold of NAM l is a great place to start. Also there is a magazine ''Hope and Harmony for people with Bipolar'' Lots of on going good info-bphope.com to get a mailing. God Bless Reggie
PS if you are in counseling ( l hope) perhaps your counselor could give you some suggestions.
Most groups have a topic/speaker/professional meeting agenda. Some groups rotate what they talk about.