Support Groups

East Side & West Side
locations in Manhattan

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Support Groups

MDSG’s support groups are our main resource. They provide a safe environment for participants to share personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings in small, confidential gatherings. Also known as discussion meetings or rap sessions, they are a friendly haven for the exchange of information and support.

A typical group will meet for approximately an hour and a half, although participants can leave early, if need be. Reservations are not required, members can come at their convenience. Our support groups are for people with bipolar disorder and depression, as well as the friends and family of those with these disorders. We also offer a group designed for people under 30. Meetings are held at two locations in Manhattan.

Group Categories

Support groups are lead by trained facilitators. We try to limit each group to a maximum of 12 people. Separate groups are available for:

• Newcomers: The first time someone comes to an MDSG support group meeting, we ask that they attend our newcomers orientation group for one time only, unless they belong to the 20-Something or Family and Friends groups
• Unipolar: to discuss depression
• Bipolar: to discuss both depression and mania
• Family and Friends: for people closely connected to someone suffering from depression or manic-depression (see below for more)
• 20-Something Group: A group for those under 30, including teens,that discusses both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder

There have been many articles in past newsletters detailing the experience. Here is an article from the May 2000 newsletter describing the initial experiences of a new member (p.1), first with the newcomers group, then with the 20-something (formerly "youth") group. Our April 2004 newsletter had an article on getting the most out of a group (p.6). And the August 2005 newsletter had an article titled, “Support Group Advice from the Folks in the Know” (p.6).

Anyone can attend an MDSG support group meeting. There is no need to be screened, approved or to make a reservation. For non-members, there is a suggested $5.00 donation. MDSG members can attend at no charge as a benefit of membership.

Family and Friends of Those with Mood Disorders Need Support Too!

When one person has a mood disorder, the whole family can suffer. Loved ones can benefit greatly from a self-help support group setting designed just for them. In our confidential groups for Family and Friends, we:

• Discover how to provide the most effective support for the sufferer throughout the recovery process
• Learn the critical difference between enabling and empowering the person with the illness
• Find ways to develop healthy and respectful boundaries between ourselves and the family member with the mood disorder
• Help each other recognize the importance of tending to and promoting our own self-care

The Family and Friends groups provide a setting in which we can feel completely safe to vent and express frustration, fear, anger, guilt and even resentment — all emotions that are natural and common among families in this situation. There is great camaraderie and a sense of belonging that comes from the realization that we are not alone, and in fact, have so much in common. Please drop in any Wednesday or Friday night and check out this group that has been designed especially for you!

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