This post applies free outpatient depression support groups. I wanted to leave a few tips and considerations with you tonight.
When visiting any 'online' or 'physical' (in-person) support groups (not only depression-related):
I've found it helpful to keep in mind that different groups can have a different overall 'flavor', atmosphere, and/or level of feeling of intimacy to it. Try another instead of saying "I'll never go to another one again"...you will find one to fit your 'style', personality, and situation.
Any group can have 'off nights', as well as 'on nights'. If you visit a particular group and you feel as if it is a complete waste of time, or that you feel far more depressed for visiting it....check back again, and don't throw the 'baby out with the bathwater' as the saying goes.
Taking the time to give a particular group a chance, and yourself a chance to get to know some of the people and what they can offer usually pays off. Try to avoid 'snap judgements'...it might result in robbing yourself of some valuable 'input', 'feedback', support, and resources.
In the beginning, take some time to 'get the feel' of the support group, by listening and taking things in more than disclosing a lot right away (if able to & not in immediate crisis).
Last but not least....ask about (or read, if online support group) about confidentiality. If it is an online support group, at first anyway, you might use a 'pen-name'. I'll be doing a seperate post very soon on confidentiality and reporting practices.
Oh another last but not least: as the 12-step saying goes....try to remember "Principles before personalities" when listening to others, or reading their words online.
Sorry for the 'not so brief-as-I-planned-post', and will sign-off. Hang in there, and please post here if you have any individualized questions, comments, etc.
Until manana,
~R
*A resource for tonight if it 'fits':
When visiting any 'online' or 'physical' (in-person) support groups (not only depression-related):
I've found it helpful to keep in mind that different groups can have a different overall 'flavor', atmosphere, and/or level of feeling of intimacy to it. Try another instead of saying "I'll never go to another one again"...you will find one to fit your 'style', personality, and situation.
Any group can have 'off nights', as well as 'on nights'. If you visit a particular group and you feel as if it is a complete waste of time, or that you feel far more depressed for visiting it....check back again, and don't throw the 'baby out with the bathwater' as the saying goes.
Taking the time to give a particular group a chance, and yourself a chance to get to know some of the people and what they can offer usually pays off. Try to avoid 'snap judgements'...it might result in robbing yourself of some valuable 'input', 'feedback', support, and resources.
In the beginning, take some time to 'get the feel' of the support group, by listening and taking things in more than disclosing a lot right away (if able to & not in immediate crisis).
Last but not least....ask about (or read, if online support group) about confidentiality. If it is an online support group, at first anyway, you might use a 'pen-name'. I'll be doing a seperate post very soon on confidentiality and reporting practices.
Oh another last but not least: as the 12-step saying goes....try to remember "Principles before personalities" when listening to others, or reading their words online.
Sorry for the 'not so brief-as-I-planned-post', and will sign-off. Hang in there, and please post here if you have any individualized questions, comments, etc.
Until manana,
~R
*A resource for tonight if it 'fits':
No comments:
Post a Comment