Posted by Toph on February 12, 2005, at 9:10:39
In reply to Support Groups, posted by ron1953 on February 10, 2005, at 16:33:07
Ron, I've had varied experiences with support groups starting with an almost extinct concept now because of the lack of health insurance - the day hospital. Following an in-patient hospitalization (again depending on your ability to pay) discharged patients were released to a day hospital where they transitioned to the community. Our program at Evanston Hospital was superb and I benefited greatly from it. After a psychotic episode requiring weeks of stabilization on a locked unit, needless to say I couldn't just hop from the hospital to work. The day hospital built my self-confidence and had a social component as well. (two thumbs up)
Next when I was emotionally devestated by my separation from my wife and kids I entered a divorce support group run in a counselor's home. After sessions we would go out for coffee somewhere. A faction of the group decided that all we needed was the social part and we munitously stopped paying the group fees by meeting on our own in various members' homes. All therapy stopped and the group disbanded after three meetings. (one thumb up)
Then I went to a religious support group at Willow Creek (a huge evangelical church outside Chicago) which had wonderful support groups for single moms, dating Christians, separated and divorsed individuals, etc. I loved the spiritual side because it wasn't force fed and the members were so kind and (yes, Bob) civil. I start having a relationship with a woman at work and that kind of ended my comfort with the basic tenents of the group, so I slipped away for more carnal therapy. (two big thumbs - up both religious and carnal support)
I have an identity as a bipolar survivor and several times I have tried various community Bipolar Support Groups around the Chicago area. Some I found too large and didactic. Others I found dominated by BP II depressives. I am not snobby about my BP I but I have never found a group of people who also had multiple psychotic manic and depressive episodes involving hospitalization and such. (two thumbs down)
Finally, of course this is my first participation in cyper group association (I'm reluctant to call it therapy yet). I love the anonymity. Don't tell Bob, but I like it's safeness and civility. And there are some really great human beings that hang around this joint.
I even have to admit that there has been some therapeutic growth here for me I think. One thing's for sure, I am no longer timid about writing long posts (I'm sure many of you do not think that's a good thing). two thumbs upToph
poster:Toph
thread:455981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050205/msgs/456702.html