Support Group Guidelines

MDSG CORE BELIEFS:

• Just as each individual is unique, so is her or his experience of a mood disorder.
• Through the simple act of listening to each other’s stories we support and learn from each other.
• By sharing our experiences, we learn a great deal about mood disorders and how to manage them.
• By focusing on our strengths and what we have actually gained from our struggles and journeys we promote hope and self-acceptance.

MDSG SUPPORT GROUP GUIDELINES:

• Treat each other with kindness and compassion. Most of us are feeling vulnerable.
• Respect the opinions and experiences of others as we want them to respect ours.
• Don’t monopolize. We are generous in the sharing process.
• Don’t judge. Instead, we try to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes.
• Are patient. Each of us is trying to do the best we can at a given moment.
• Are good listeners. We all want to feel heard.
• Don’t tell someone else what to do. We Let others come to their own conclusions.
• Don’t give advice.What is helpful is speaking from our own experiences.
• Maintain confidences so that each of us feels completely safe to share.
• Understand that the recovery process is unique and personal for each of us.
• Maintain an environment that is hopeful and optimistic. If we don’t have hope, we stop trying.