[Wild Coyote]

Many of us are losing our support networks just when we may need them most.

Many are telling us their IOP and PHP programs are closing.
Some members have no way to participate in telemedicine even if their pdoc and/or therapist have been able to secure online services.

Both childofchaos831 and sarahsweets have let us know there is a need for more support and have suggested at least one resource many might find helpful. Many thanks to these two members for getting the ball rolling!.

How to attend AA, NA, and other support groups online

Please remember to check PC chats!

I hope we can add to their suggestion, listing potential resources for members in need of additional support.

We are all in this together!

[Rick7892]

Thanks so much for this!

[fern46]

Has anyone tried these groups?

Online Support Groups - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

[fern46]

For anxiety support

The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups of 2020

[Fuzzybear]

Great thread, thanks

Originally Posted by fern46

Has anyone tried these groups?

Online Support Groups - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Hi fern. Yes, I have participated in DBSA online support groups, but that was some years ago. I liked them, but stopped participating more because of the times of day they were offered, which likely isn't an issue now. Plus, I had sufficient support from other sources.

I'm assuming that their current online support groups are approximately the same as they used to be. If so, it was basically the same as in-person DBSA support groups, which I have loads of experience attending. If they are still the same, the facilitators start by listing guidelines and outline of the meetings, then all are welcomed by the facilitators and others participating. Participants briefly introduce themselves and share if they have any concerns or topics they wish to have discussed. This is optional. Those who don't wish to say much (or anything) need not. They can just observe (sort or lurk). At the end of the introductions, the facilitators will have gathered requested topics/concerns. Then, one-by-one they are discussed. They are sort of akin to threads here on PC. Of course the facilitators will step in if needed, similar to moderators here at PC. When I participated, years back, it was more of an online typed chat form. Not a video meeting. I'm unsure if that has changed.

Originally Posted by fern46

Has anyone tried these groups?

Online Support Groups - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

thanks for these... might give them a shot

I wanted to suggest seven cups (I've used them a few times, and they can be quite good listeners)

blah therapy also

oh and healthfull chat

[~Christina]

What a fantastic thread.. We can never have to much support

don't forget about this forum too.

always here for each other

[Daonnachd]

Meals on Wheels, or an equivalent organisation, would be a resource worth remembering for those among us who are over 60. As I understand it age is the only prerequisite. The thing I'm not sure about at all is its distribution; is MoW interstate or purely SF Bay Area?

[fern46]

Dr. Tracey Marks is an example of a psychiatrist who produces helpful videos and posts them on YouTube. I've learned a lot from her. She posted one this week titled 'Managing Coronavirus Hysteria'

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Meals on Wheels, or an equivalent organisation, would be a resource worth remembering for those among us who are over 60. As I understand it age is the only prerequisite. The thing I'm not sure about at all is its distribution; is MoW interstate or purely SF Bay Area?

We have Meals on Wheels here (northeast USA). My great aunt (grandma's sister) has Meals on Wheels and she is in upstate NY. My (only living) grandma gets it too and she lives very close to us.

The only problem with Meals on Wheels around here is that they don't necessarily pay attention to dietary restrictions. However, if you don't really have any dietary restrictions, then you probably wouldn't have a problem with it and I would say go for it. It's worth it and I agree it's worth looking into.

In my grandma's case, we had to stop the service for her because they were giving her things she couldn't eat, and they were doing it for months despite many, many calls to them. They kept insisting that they "couldn't" do anything about it, which is bizarre to me because they kept saying it was "all or nothing." (Either you got everything that came with the dish, or you got nothing at all.) HOWEVER, my great aunt has no problem with Meals on Wheels in upstate NY. She likes it a lot. So, it's highly dependent on where you live. But I just thought I'd leave an FYI, especially if you're allergic to something (e.g., cinnamon, apples, whatever). It seems they don't really pay attention?

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Meals on Wheels, or an equivalent organisation, would be a resource worth remembering for those among us who are over 60. As I understand it age is the only prerequisite. The thing I'm not sure about at all is its distribution; is MoW interstate or purely SF Bay Area?

It's all over NorCal, for sure. Don't know about south. But MOW isn't taking any new applications now.