How Might the Group be Helpful to Me?
Many DBSA members talk about how these support groups give us an opportunity to discuss, share, and educate ourselves about something that is so central to our daily lives, yet frequently we cannot share with friends or family members who don't have the illness.  Many members also use this supportive atmosphere as a platform for growth and understanding regarding how to manage their illness while at the same time pursuing their aspirations.  On a less lofty level, members also use group member's willingness to share their own first person experiences to gather info on issues such as unexplained symptoms or new prescribed medications that others in the group may have experience with.  top

What Kind of People Attend SFDBSA Meetings?
SFDBSA attracts adults from all walks of life, ranging from working professionals to people who are not currently working and may be on Disability.  Attendee ages range from 18-plus to retirement age and include both men and women. The group is chartered to serve adults 18 years and older.  top

Does SFDBSA Run Therapy Groups?
SFDBSA groups are not therapy groups and our peer facilitators are not therapists.  top

What is the Difference Between a Support Group & Therapy Group?
There are many differences between support and therapy groups.  Our support groups are not run by clinicians or therapists, therefore they are not therapy groups.  Therapy groups also typically pursue therapeutic goals and objectives for group participants, which is not the case with our support group.  Our group makeup also changes from week to week, whereas therapy groups tend to have the same people in each group.  Our groups are also larger, ranging from 15 to over 20 people.  top

What is the Meeting Format?
DBSA meetings begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday and at 3:00 pm on Sunday with a greeting from the peer facilitator and review of any general announcements for the group.  The facilitator then reads the Share/Care Guidelines, which outline group policies in areas such as confidentiality, respect for others, how we talk about medication (from our own experience only - we don't prescribe meds), etc. top

What will be Expected of Me if I Attend?  Do I have to Talk?
Group members are encouraged to share their experiences and coping strategies around their illness for the benefit of themselves and others and to the extent that they feel comfortable. This is not a requirement, however, and everyone has their quiet days.  At a minimum, group members are asked to state their first names during check-in.  top

How Many People Attend a Weekly DBSA Group?
SFDBSA groups currently average between 8 and 15 people per week.  top

Do You Talk about Medications?
Proper medication is central to the wellness strategies of many of our group members, and medication is a common topic of group discussion.  Members might bring in questions regarding newly-prescribed medications and seek group members' input on their own experience, if any, with the medication in question.  Our medication discussions are firmly grounded in relaying our own first person experiences, recognizing that reactions and efficacy vary widely by individual.  We do not recommend or prescribe medications, we only share our own experiences with this important aspect of many people's wellness strategies.  top

Is SFDBSA Part of a Larger Organization?
SFDBSA is a local chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, based out of Chicago.  There are several hundred other DBSA chapters around the country.  top

Does SFDBSA Follow a 12-Step Recovery Program?
SFDBSA is not a 12 Step Program and meetings are not run like one.  There is no program, manual, sponsors or other aspects of 12 Step programs.  top

Does it Cost Anything to Attend SFDBSA Groups?
SFDBSA meetings are free and open to the public.  top

What about Confidentiality of the Material Expressed There?  
Confidentiality and respect for others are central tenants of the DBSA philosophy. The Share/Care Guidelines read at the beginning of each meeting provide continual reinforcement of this critical aspect.  Anything that is said in the meeting room stays there.  top

What If I See Someone I Know?
This is a frequent concern of new attendees.  What frequently results is that, if you see someone you know in our meetings, it is because you may be in the same boat. This can and has often lead to closer bonds and greater availability of support versus exposure since you are both involved.  top

Does SFDBSA Offer Anything for Friends or Family Members of People who have Bipolar Disorder or Clinical Depression?
We encourage the support and understanding of friends, families and loved ones. It is beneficial to all to participate in the meetings. Size permitting though, we will split groups for more personalized discussions and then regroup at meetings end.    top

Is There an Age Limit?
We are currently open to all ages. We will open groups for Hispanics, Young Adults, etc, as the need grows.  top

Where are DSFBSA Meetings Held and on What Day and Time?
SFDBSA meetings are held every Wednesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MIRAMAR, 1901 S.W. 172nd Ave. • Miramar, FL 33025, for directions call 954-538-5000 and every Thursday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SOUTH, 3600 Washington St. • Hollywood, FL 33021, for directions call 954-966-4500 and at AVENTURA MEDICAL CENTER, 20900 Biscayne Boulevard, 1st Floor Conference Room • Aventura, FL 33180, for directions call 305-682-7000.

Who do I Contact to Learn More about SFDBSA?
Feel free to send us an e-mail or leave us a message at 954-588-DBSA (3272), but if you are considering the group for yourself we encourage you to try a few meetings and see if it works for you.  top