Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

• DBSA peer support groups provide people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another. Meetings are conducted online via Zoom on the HeyPeers platform. • DBSA peer support group meetings are peer-based, self-help groups. In the DBSA context, a peer is a person with a mood disorder. Another distinction of a peer is that we are not professionals — physicians and other mental health providers. We are here to assist, encourage, and enable each other to help ourselves. • DBSA groups are not professional help. We are not degreed or credentialed professionals and do not diagnose or provide treatment. We do not do what the professionals do. We are also not an alternative to professional care or a 12-step program. While there are some similarities to such programs, we have no steps, program, or official guidebook.

We read the guidelines before each meeting to remind us that we are all responsible for following and committing to the group standards, which are in place to keep this group a safe place to share. • Show up on time: to respect everyone's time, anyone who wishes to attend the meeting should join at the meeting start time. Participants attempting to join more than 10 minutes after the start of the meeting will not be admitted. • Share the air: everyone who wishes to share has an opportunity to do so. No one person should monopolize group time. • One person speaks at a time: each person should be allowed to speak free from interruption and side conversations. • What is said here stays here: this is the essential principle of confidentiality, and MUST be respected by all. Differences of opinion are o.k. We are ALL entitled to our own point of view. • We are all equal: we accept cultural, linguistic, social and racial differences and promote their acceptance. • Use "I" language: because we do not participate in support groups as credentialed professionals, we do not INSTRUCT or ADVISE. We however do share from our own personal experiences. We are unique individuals, and only we know what is best for our own health (along with our doctor's recommendations). Example: "In my experience, I have found…" • It's o.k. not to share: people do not have to share if they do not wish to. • It's everyone’s responsibility to make the discussion groups a safe place to share: we respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness, and show compassion.

DBSA support groups are peer-led, meaning they are facilitated by someone living with a mood disorder. They are trained to facilitate a support group meeting using their lived experience.

There is never any pressure to talk or share. At check-in, you can simply say your first name (or any name you choose to remain anonymous) and indicate that you don't want to speak. One of our guidelines is that "it is okay not to share; much can be gained by just listening."

Absolutely. We will not release any of your information or any comments you make during the meeting.

Yes! You can choose to remain anonymous if you would like. We use only first names in meetings - no other identifying information is shared. You can also optionally add a nickname for yourself in your display name so that participants in the meetings will only know you by your nickname. Please note you will be asked to have your camera on for at least the check-in time.

Your donation will go to DBSA’s general funding, which covers resources like our online support groups designed to give people living with depression and bipolar disorder a safe, welcoming place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer each other hope.

Gathering Time: The group assembles. Participants are only accepted up until 10 minutes after the start of the meeting. Facilitators may open the standby room to accept more participants. • Welcome: The facilitator brings the group together and provides focus by reading the welcome statement and group guidelines. Participants are asked to look over the guidelines at every meeting. • Check-in: The facilitator goes around the room and asks participants to briefly let the group know how they are feeling and what they would like to discuss during the meeting. • Discussion: This is the heart of a DBSA group. Often the discussion will be based on common concerns or themes that came up during the check-in time. • Closing: The facilitator brings closure to the session and makes any relevant announcements. • Post-Meeting Survey: Participants are encouraged to complete a post-meeting survey after each meeting they attend, helping DBSA provide high quality groups.

Take the meeting in a private space or with headphones to respect confidentiality.​ • Arrive on-time. We will close the meeting room 10-minutes after the start of the meeting. ​ • Turn your camera on during check-in. You do not have to keep your camera on for the entirety of the meeting, but we recommend turning your camera on while speaking.​ • Keep your audio muted unless you are speaking to reduce distracting background noises.​ • Please update your display name on Zoom to indicate how you would like to be referred to and called on during the meeting. Example: Jane (she/her).

If you're waiting for an open spot in a DBSA HeyPeers group, you still have options for peer support through our local in-person groups and chapter online groups. • Chapter Online Support Groups Looking for additional online support? Our chapter-led online support groups are open to anyone nationwide and are a great way to stay connected with peers from the comfort of home. To find a group, visit: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/dbsa-chapter-online-support-groups/ • Local In-Person Support Groups DBSA offers a number of in-person support groups throughout the United States. These groups are peer-led and open to anyone living with a mood disorder or seeking mental health support. To find a nearby group, visit: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/find-a-support-group/ • Cultural & Identity-Focused Support Groups DBSA recognizes the importance of identity-affirming spaces. We offer several online groups tailored to cultural, racial, and identity-based experiences: Group offerings include: • Parents and Caregivers • Young Adults • Asian American Community • Black Community • Spanish Speaking Community • Rural Community • LGBTQ+ Community • Occupation Specific Community • Gender Only Community • Veterans Community • Co-Occurring Disorder • Family and Friends • Age-Specific Community These spaces are led by trained peer facilitators who share similar lived experiences. Explore all identity-based options: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/cifgroups/