Developing A Psychiatric Health Support Group

By Marylou Forbes


Several steps are involved when it comes to developing and organizing a support network. Determining meeting days, times and topics, finding a space and organizing outings are only a few when it comes to establishing a Psychiatric Health Support Group. Setting up security measures and assuring all participants are safe during, before and after meetings are also essential as related to mental health.

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.

Topics can also play into the best location for a meeting. This is because some discussions are acceptable in public venues and others are not. While discussions related to behavioral issues might be appropriate, those dealing with domestic, sexual or verbal abuse are most likely served best in a private setting.

Whether a mental health or social networking support group, a moderator is often a good idea. While often required when working with mentally unstable individuals, those attending outside support groups may want to be careful to consider others when speaking of personal experience. This is because sometimes what someone else experiences can have either a positive or negative effect on the psychological health of others which can in some instances cause an outbreak.

When setting up a date for each meeting, it is often best to make it a certain day of the month rather than date. For example, the group meets on the 3rd Saturday each month. By doing so, individuals can mark their calendars months, even years in advance without having to have a specific month, date and year and always know when a meeting is scheduled.

While it is often more difficult for individuals prone to severe violence to participate, there are some hospital and clinic groups and sessions which make this possible. To locate one in the area, call a local counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist office and ask if anyone knows of a mental health support network in the area.

Safety and security, whether meeting at a residence, business, clinic or hospital are of utmost importance. While some support groups may not need additional security beyond members, those with individuals prone to violence often need professional security present at meetings. This is to help both the organizers and participants keep a safe and sane environment during each meeting.

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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