Support groups?

Have any of you found that going to a support group helps? I'm thinking about seeing if there is one here. This board has been so helpful because you guys understand what I'm dealing with and I'm thinking it be even more helpful to join a support group. I'm just wondering what it's going to be like and if it's worth doing.

I have found in-person support groups to be very helpful. A good organization to check out is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. They have support groups all over the country. They are run by people who live with bipolar disorder and depression, and each group has a clinical advisor who is available if needed. There are quite a few groups in Tennessee.

Here's a link to the support group search engine there:

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/Page...rt_findsupport

I've gone to a NAMI support group on campus. It's nice to talk with others who have similar problems, and it's a very small group so it's pretty comfortable. There are two others with bipolar, one also has PTSD, and another is schizoaffective or something similar to that. I'm recruiting one of my fellow students who has OCD to go as well.

I haven't gone to the community NAMI or DBSA groups because, as I suspected and later heard from others, the age demographic is very, very different.

I attend a Depression Group every 2 weeks which helps a lot, only problem is that I am the only person who suffers from BP so it's always hard when I am manic lol!

I also attend weekly individual emotional support sessions with my Support Worker. They also help us out in the community and with their help I have had support going to Tai Chi, Badminton and Swimming classes. Now I am "meant" to go alone as I think I am ok but I am now lousey at going to them. So I need a good kick up the backside.

There are no BP support groups in my area, I would need to travel to another city for that which I can't afford.

I think support groups are a good idea. Helps me anyways!