bipolar/depression

[lindylou]

Hi everyone. I am trying to start a group in east dulwich for bipolar/depression. Is anmyone interested? Please pm me if you are. Have tried to find a local group without success.

[LadyDeliah]

Hi, that sounds like such a good idea. Will it be linked to any organisations or health services?

[lindylou]

Hi everyone. Am still trying to organise this. There are no local groups available. Venue is no problem we just need x amount of sufferers who would like to attend on an ad hoc basis to chat amongst ourselves, realise that we are not suffering alone, swap help notes and basically help one another along.

[HAL9000]

Have you considered two groups: one for each extreme of the bipolar cycle? I imagine it might be difficult for hypomanics and depressives to find much solace in each other?s company?

The overriding problem, though - I think - might be that the hypomanics are likely to be too busy while the depressives cannot summon the motivation to attend any type of group activity?

[infogreed]

what about the friends of the members, can they be included, after all it's a two side communication process, some could use an advice or something how to improve their friends' mood, etc.

[Andicam]

infogreed Wrote:

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> what about the friends of the members, can they be

> included, after all it's a two side communication

> process, some could use an advice or something how

> to improve their friends' mood, etc.

This doesn't seem like a good idea to me. People joining need to feel they can speak openly about their issues and learn from others dealing with the same thing. This is probably easier to do without onlookers.

Search online or speak to mental health charities about how you could best support your friend.