How to Conduct a Depression Support Group

Conducting a depression support group is a worthwhile and challenging thing to do. Sufferers of depression often find a lack of understanding among other people. Possibly only others who have been through this illness can truly understand the overwhelming feelings and the struggle back to normal life. But another side also needs serious consideration. According to the MHMatters website , there is a contagion aspect to depression. For instance, the spouse of a person who is depressed may fall prey to the condition also. There may be this negative effect of a support group, unless you take care to avoid it.

Instructions

• 1

  Liaise with professionals within the mental health field. Speak to a physician, mental health nurse or counselor. You should have appropriate qualifications or experience in the field of mental health. You also need a good knowledge of the subject itself. If the group is self-help, rather than led by a professional, you definitely need the support and guidance of an appropriately qualified person.

• 2

  Write down a mission statement for the group. This helps to focus your mind at the start of the project. Consider registering the group as a non-profit organization. Decide on the frequency of the meetings. Find a venue and decide on the means of payment if you decide to ask for a small contribution from each of the members to cover expenses. Publicize your group in appropriate places, including physicians' offices, mental health units and counselors' offices.

• 3

  Decide the format of your meetings. This is a key step. You may decide to lead the group and ask each person to speak as and when they feel like it. However, you do run the danger of nobody wanting to speak. You may decide on a different strategy. For instance, at the first meeting you could have a speaker to give a short and relevant talk, and then invite questions. This could help the group members to relax and bond.

• 4

  Set boundaries and one or two key rules. You may, for instance, ask members to agree to seek emergency professional help if you feel that this is necessary, if there is an obvious deterioration, for example. Include some positive and affirming activities in the group schedule. This could be a monthly social event or fresh air/exercise activity.