[wally]

Recently, I gave up organizing and hosting a support group because I felt slighted and deeply hurt because my fellow members did not email me a response to my thanking them and wishing them a Merry Christmas. This was not the only reason, but it was the straw that broke the camels back if you will. I took over the group in June when the organizer left for treatment. Since that time, I have opended my house and my life to the members and have also obtained public funding for the group. I have put alot of effort into helping others and now I could use a little help. I sent out a blanket email to encourage others and to welcome new members to the group. Two responded out of 150 plus members. To me, it is not difficult to reply to an email and wish someone well. Now that I have left the group, No one will step up and lead or organize future meetings. I feel for those who really need help but I am not sure what to do. The group is the Richmond bipolar/depression/add group with the website on meetup.com. They did respond when I said farewell. Need help.

[deliquesce]

hi wally,
i'm sorry you've decided to stop hosting your support group, but if you think that is what's best for you - then so be it. it's not your responsibility if no one else takes over, you never made a commitment to it 'for ever'.
i will say (as someone who has depression) that when i'm in a bad spell, i'm very very very bad at responding to emails/phone calls/facebook messages/whatever. i guess that explanation wouldn't extend to all 150 members, but it might account for a few. please don't take it to heart.
you mentioned that you "are not sure what to do". does this mean you might reconsider your decision?
xo deli

[MINIME]

I am sure that people really appreciate your help. If you liked doing the group i wouldnt let this stop you.

[Slothrop]

Kudos to you for trying.

I once stepped down from leading a group of people (not a support group, something else). I just didn't feel the others were behind me with where I wanted things to go. But when I quit they were upset, and the group fell apart...nobody stepped up to take over.

Sometimes people just take leaders for granted, unfortunately.

deliquesce has a good point...if you are dealing with lots of depressed folks they may not have their act together on responding and giving back to you.

I think you should do what you need to do. If it is too hard on you, don't feel guilt over stepping down. On the other hand, if it is doing you more good to be in it, see if you can look past others' insensitivity as part of what they are going through.

[wally]

Thank you for your input. I just might keep the group.

Originally Posted by deliquesce

hi wally,
i'm sorry you've decided to stop hosting your support group, but if you think that is what's best for you - then so be it. it's not your responsibility if no one else takes over, you never made a commitment to it 'for ever'.
i will say (as someone who has depression) that when i'm in a bad spell, i'm very very very bad at responding to emails/phone calls/facebook messages/whatever. i guess that explanation wouldn't extend to all 150 members, but it might account for a few. please don't take it to heart.
you mentioned that you "are not sure what to do". does this mean you might reconsider your decision?
xo deli

[wally]

Thank you. I was probably just too sensitive. Perhaps i will continue the group.

Originally Posted by MINIME

I am sure that people really appreciate your help. If you liked doing the group i wouldnt let this stop you.

[wally]

Thank you for your positive feedback. Maybe I will continue the group.

Originally Posted by Slothrop

Kudos to you for trying.

I once stepped down from leading a group of people (not a support group, something else). I just didn't feel the others were behind me with where I wanted things to go. But when I quit they were upset, and the group fell apart...nobody stepped up to take over.

Sometimes people just take leaders for granted, unfortunately.

deliquesce has a good point...if you are dealing with lots of depressed folks they may not have their act together on responding and giving back to you.

I think you should do what you need to do. If it is too hard on you, don't feel guilt over stepping down. On the other hand, if it is doing you more good to be in it, see if you can look past others' insensitivity as part of what they are going through.

Originally Posted by wally

Thank you for your positive feedback. Maybe I will continue the group.

Wally, I met you at the nami connections training, its a shame you want to give this up because you seemed so positive about it all. However,
I can agree that with 150 members you should have gotten a much bigger response. Maybe it didn't look like something to respond to? I"m guessing cause I really don't know. Take it easy for yourself, maybe you will want to get back into things. I know for now, I am not finding the group to be as helpful as it was, but I think given time it will be again.
Take care,
Amy