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#1
Apr 14, 2007, 05:38 PM
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Hi there!
I and a few other bipolar sufferers have started a new bipolar support group in our town. I, in typical fashion have agreed to facilitate the group, at least in the beginning. What I am asking all of you is for some suggestions for topics for discussion. These aren't things that would require a lot of research and putting on presentations and the like; rather, I'm looking for discussion starters to help draw people out. Meds, pdocs, life, whatever as long as it is related somehow to living with bipolar. If you have been in significant discussions of this sort, I would appreciate it if you could clue me in! Thanks in advance for your help! DJ
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Peace, DJ "Maturity is nothing more than a firmer grasp of cause and effect." -Bob "and the angels, and the devils, are playin' tug-o-war with my personality" -Snakedance, The Rainmakers |
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#2
Apr 14, 2007, 07:22 PM
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My support group has discussed self-esteem (today--leader provided copies of an article on the subject), relapse prevention & recovery after a relapse, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) presented by NAMI to group in a half-day session, medications & side effects & efficacy, how to advocate for your own recovery with the pdoc & therapist, dealing with stigma, family relationships & how to educate them so they can help in your recovery vs. hinder it, just "checking in"--how are we doing now,dealing with side effects of meds (weight gain, "foggy" thinking, memory loss), helpful books, sharing "stories"...off the top of my head that's what I come up with. If I think of others, I'll post. Great of you to lead the group. I know you'll be an asset.--Suzy
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#3
Apr 15, 2007, 01:36 AM
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yes Davey you will be fantastic!
Here in louisiana, there is a support group called BRIDGES...they are all over the south. There are training classes for facilitators, will you be going thru any kind of training? usually there are 2 facilitators per group to help keep the group on course and to offer support if someone needs individual attention at the moment. I used to facilitate a group here in lafayette. When the group started its meeting we would have a quick go around with everyone saying their names, diagnosis, meds and what they were for...only if they wanted to share of course. and a quick check in to see if someone had an urgent need to talk first. these were peer run support groups. there are also education classes. these were given thru out the year to groups of people who requested the education, most support group memebers wanted to take the classes as well. The classes met every week for 2 hours for 12 weeks a huge commitment for a certificate at the end. There is a training manual and educational materials as well. If your state doesn't have any materials to give you as guidance then you definately have a big task at hand. I will try to dig some stuff up if I can find it. bizi
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lamictal 2x a day haldol 2x a day cogentin 2x a day klonipin , 1mg at night, fish oil coq10 multi vit,, vit c, at noon, tumeric, caffeine Remeron at night, zyprexa, requip2-4mg |
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#4
Apr 16, 2007, 12:41 PM
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Hi, I'll just add my thoughts since I'm a psychiatric nurse and have BP.
It's really important to stress keeping a routine sleep wake cycle. Tips for good sleep habits, avoiding triggers, exercise, light exposure etc... People need to know that bipolar covers a spectrum and is not just black and white. I consider this to be a highly misunderstood illness. I hear this all the time "I never had mania, I can't be bipolar"! Links to books for laypeople to better understand their illness. How important it is to find a p-doc who really listens and you feel comfortable with. There is nothing worse than leaving a p-doc appt. feeling depressed The epidemic with substance abuse with Bipolar Disorder. Family support and education. Hope this helps. Polarbear Disorders. |
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#5
Apr 16, 2007, 01:45 PM
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Hello DJ.
It is nice to hear that you are going to facilitate your group. SAMHSA, NAMI and DBSA all have information for free to download and copy fo ryour group. SAMHSA will send you copies for free as well regarding mental health. Daily Living plans and Crisis Support is very common with groups. Especially planning what your group members will do if they have a crisis and who they will call in an event of a crisis situation, and what steps they will take. Nutrition is very popular as well and the American Diabetes Association has meal planning tips that can be useful for some of your group members. Take care and goo dluck at your group. Take care Soidhonia.
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The Caged Bird Sings with a Fearful Trill of Things Unknown and Longed for Still and his Tune is Heard on the Distant Hill for the Caged Bird Sings of Freedom |
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#6
Apr 17, 2007, 10:21 AM
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Check with the DMDA
Depressive Manic Depressive Association, they may have something for your group Love ya Angie
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 A good day is when the crap hits the fan and I have time to duck. |
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