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Developing A Psychiatric Health Support Group

By Marylou Forbes


There are several steps to setting up any type of ongoing meeting whether academia, business or health. When it comes to setting up a Psychiatric Health Support Group, individuals need to be sure that safety and security measures are also implemented. This is because when sharing with one another in discussions, those suffering from different mental health issues can sometimes get violent.

Some meet on a weekly basis while others meet on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Determining a schedule which works well for all participants is often one of the hardest aspects of this work. This is especially true for individuals who also work full or part-time jobs in conjunction with therapy.

Location is also an important element when coordinating with others. The locale needs to be convenient and within an easy drive or accessible by public transportation. Some organizers may go so far as to request a specific length of commitment from members to assure individuals are sincere.

Declaring a moderator or leader for one or all sessions is also key. Often one or two individuals provide this service. The individuals can be from outside or members of the group. A moderator or leader generally provides an introduction, has each individual in attendance provide a brief introduction, then monitors the ongoing discussions and exercises.

The focus of support can either be the group or an individual. Generally, group therapy is offered with individuals who have had the same or similar experiences. Individual therapy can range widely and incorporate as many different issues as the individual and care provider feel beneficial.

Individuals prone to violent outbreaks are often treated in a hospital setting and restrained but can still attend group meetings. It is hoped that this work in group can help treat the individual so one can once again perform peacefully and respectfully while in public. Depending on the individual, the issues and any residual illnesses, this may or may not be possible.

When it comes to safety and security, it is often best to have outside individuals perform this task. Still, whether a member, members, or an outside security team, there does need to be some form of peacekeeping at any mental health oriented seminar, support meeting or workshop.

While the essence of a group may be to gain and provide support to other like minded individuals, organizers may also want to consider social outings. This is because it can often be good for individuals, especially those with anxiety or depression to interact with others. By sharing a trip to an amusement park, movie, theater or zoo, participants can get to know more about one another and the world at large.

Each individual reacts differently when participating in these situations. Some participants may find this shared work quite enjoyable and useful. While others want no part in sharing any aspect of pain with others. Each individual must decide for oneself whether one prefers individual therapy, sharing issues and experiences with others, or both.




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