Free Support Groups
DBSA-California Support Groups are offered for free and provide a safe, confidential space where people from all walks of life connect with peers to share their stories, experiences, and lives in a way that helps reduce isolation and loneliness. When we're struggling or in a crisis, we often feel that we're alone. Support groups can connect us with peers who understand us, have similar lived experiences, and can help us get through. Our support groups are led by peers we highly train as facilitators, so they have an intimate comprehension of the challenges firsthand and serve as a beacon of hope to others.
Check out this video from one of our group facilitators!
Who Should Join Groups?
Battling mental health alone is difficult for most individuals who suffer from Depression and Bipolar. It can seem impossible to cope, heal, or think about recovery. We understand the struggle, we've been there, we can help! By attending weekly discussion groups, you will be empowered with education, resources, emotional support, and guidance to set you up on the path to recovery. There is no shame in admitting that sometimes we need help, it's tough enough carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, let DBSA CA Support Groups lighten the load for you.
Topics of Discussion
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Self-esteem/self-talk (positive/negative)
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Planning for the future
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Obligations (financial/relationships-family/work)
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Medications
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Initial steps (after an episode)
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Hospitalization (in-patient/outpatient)
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Insurance (medical/disability)
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Sleep patterns
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Triggers
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Dual diagnosis & Addiction (drugs & alcohol)
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Finding a doctor/therapist
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Self-discipline, daily maintenance/routine
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Proper self-care, motivation/lack of motivation
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Spending money
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Exercise/fitness (physical activity)
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Setting goals and meeting deadlines
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Setting boundaries
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Weight loss/gain/appetite
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Test of faith (spiritual life)
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Self Education
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Socializing
We Serve People With
Depression
Depression is a serious but treatable mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Though typically characterized by feelings of sadness, depression symptoms may appear as irritability or apathy.
Tasks that seemed to be easy before may take longer because of a lack of concentration. Sometimes other illnesses or medications can cause or mimic symptoms of depression, so it’s important to have a complete physical examination.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior that alternates over different periods of time. It is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness.
Bipolar disorder was previously known as "manic depression" because a person’s mood can alternate between the “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows). These changes in mood, or “mood swings,” can last for hours, days, weeks, or months.
Are You Seeking Family Support?
How Support Groups Work
The groups are two hours long, often with a ten-minute break at the midpoint.
A predictable structure, outlined below, provides safety and comfort for everyone.
1. Reading of the Support Group Guidelines.
2. Check-in: Each member is asked to check in using a standard introductory format.
--Your Name or Alias
--Your Diagnosis(es)
--Your Mood Number using the DBSA Mood State Pyramid
--Your Topic/Update (optional)
3. Sharing:
The facilitator will call on members who would like to share and receive feedback. In the DBSA culture, the group will provide feedback or comments by using “I statements.” The group is asked to refrain from giving advice unless specifically asked to do so. One person speaks at a time by raising a virtual hand.
4. Closing Activity:
The group may end with a check out utilizing the mood pyramid again. Often the facilitator will ask for a short share on setting an intention or goal, a word describing the meeting’s take away, or a light alternative.
Groups end on time.
California Support Groups Work
Testimonial
"I am finding the Tuesday group very helpful and supportive - Masha is an amazing moderator and Rachel handled the meeting very well last night. I feel a real connection with this group, however, sometimes I feel awkward because although I became severely depressed and anxious ten years ago, with therapy and medication, I have improved so much and my depressive periods are shorter and less frequent.
What prompted me to explore DBSA is the fact that my son seems to be going through what I experienced in the past, severe depression, sleep disorder, panic attacks. When you invited me to join the Tuesday group I thought that it might be helpful in understanding better what my son was going through and how best to support him. I don’t want to appear like I’m the “healthy one” or to have them feel like I cannot relate to their problems. I do feel so much empathy for the members of the group, especially a young man who seems to be going through similar issues as my son. I just try to offer brief supportive comments and admiration for efforts to exercise or take other healthy steps forward.
Thank you again for inviting me to join this DBSA group. It really motivated me to actually be part of a group rather than just thinking about it!"
-Jeanie