Bipolar Support Group

therapy. has anyone went to group therapy?? experiences please

p.s- my border collie is 8 1/2 weeks pregnant and due in 2-5 days

I haven't been in group therapy but I have wanted to. At least for me, I think being able to share experiences with a group (other than mdj) would be very helpful. I often feel very alone and don't have anyone to talk to about my issues - not many people know and those that do I can't really talk to because they just don't understand. I would give it a try.

Best of luck with the expecting mother!!

I went in the hospital and it was OK I don't think it was very productive since it was more geared to alcohol & drug abuse. The really put me on the wrong side of the hospital. I should have been over with the mental illness patients not the drug abuse.

Anyway that was counter productive.

I also went to a NAMI group which I didn't care for since it was not just BP but anyone with an MI and family. First rule is no talking about the past. Could be a good rule but I found it rather aggressive. MY take on it is how will you get to know me if you don't at least know how I got where I am.

I like it here I have freedom of speech which I value.

I was in a group for sexual abuse survivors. I enjoyed it immensely and made friends with those in my group. It is nice to go to cause everyone has something in common. Not the same experience, but in common.

My fellow group members come together and help each other when one of us is down.

I am also going to be in a group therapy at the hospital. I have done the program before and really gotten a lot out of it.

If you choose to do a group, Good Luck.

I haven't ever attended group therapy, but I've run therapy groups before. The nature of the group depends on who's attending and how the group is run. Therapy groups can be wonderful because they provide a forum to share your own experiences and feelings and listen to and learn from others. I'm guessing the group would be semi-structured, meaning the therapist(s) may have pre-planned topics, though the discussion is free flowing and unscripted. If you decide to go, you'll have to tell us how it is! I really want to go to a therapy group for bipolar disorder, though the closest one to my town is about 2 1/2 hours away, which wouldn't fit into my schedule at all.

Oh, and let us know about the puppies too!

Chrissie

I went to a bipolar support group therapy. I thought it was good. We all got to say something and everyone got to comment or give suggestions. A lot like here but in real person, but with a therapist there to add input and run the show. I think it would benefit you.

I hated group therapy and left with everyone elses problem plus my own. Ones for bipolars only are somewhat better than those that dump people with multiple disorders into a room. Some people enjoy group therapy, personaly I feel that groups often bond to hold people in a comfortable place that keeps them from moving on to wellness.

I went to one good group. Stayed with it for 2 years until it was broken up. Got a good bit of help from it. It was a good place to relieve stress if nothing more.

But I've attended groups that were less useful and a couple that were just disquised classes, with lots of paperwork and homework.

If you don't attend one or two,you will never know how it might help.

Post edited by: cptblack, at: 11/27/2010 04:57 PM

I agree that you will not know if you like it unless you attend. I have been to a lot of group therapy both in and outside of the hospital. It can go either way. Most of the time the leaders are very helpful and I get a lot out of it. The only issue I ever have with group therapy is sometimes the other patients opinions can affect you or other people around you. What I mean to say is that if you are in a position where you need an unbiased opinion about relationships, etc.. it isn't always the best place to get it. Overall, I think they are great though. Good luck to you!

I think sometimes if you are trying to have a positive attitude it may not be the best place to be. Alot of times there are people who don't accept their illness or take responsibilty for it. Then there are others that sit in a corner and won't share. Others who go to sleep. Others who must be there because of outpatient commitment. Some with substance abuse issues. For me, the more I am around people on the edge of suicide or with severe anger issues, it affects the way I feel and see myself. Here I can pick and choose who I speak to, when, and where and don't have to worry about leaving the house, putting on makeup, etc. I can focus on my job search and post too.