Feeling sad, discouraged and depressed are normal emotions everybody feels in response to certain negative situations we encounter in our daily lives. But constant and prolonged feeling of these emotions which affects a person to do his or her daily task is not normal and needs medical help and support groups. Depression Bipolar Support Alliance or DBSA is a support group which helps people with depression and bipolar disorders express their emotions without fear of being judged and with assurance of confidentiality.
DBSA helps their group members identify safety threats with psychosocial issues by allowing the members share what’s been going on with their lives and how are they coping up with the struggles. Each are given their own time to …show more content…
I remember one group member suggesting to other member who do not have a psychiatrist of her own to first seek a primary care providers opinion so she can have diagnostic test first as to distinguish, if the depression and anxiety she was currently feeling is due to hormonal problems – basically eliminating the chance of misdiagnosing somebody. During the start of the meeting, DBSA organizers emphasized the need to be respectful what others are sharing. Therapeutic communication was widely encouraged. Everyone speaking is only allowed to use “I” instead of “you” and never to use the word “should”. Suggestions are welcome but it should only be coming from one’s experience and members are refrained from insisting their own ideas to others. DBSA participated in health promotion by encouraging those who are diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorders to attend their weekly meeting. By doing so, they are helping these people who are struggling with these type of mental illness to open up to others, listens to suggestions and help them feel a little better knowing that they are not alone in their mental