Does Group Therapy for Bipolar Disorder Work?

“I am bipolar and recently my new doctor said that I should regularly attend a support group. How will this help me and what might happen in this group? How often should I go?”

I am very pleased that you have asked this question. First, I am impressed that your new doctor, who I assume is a psychiatrist overseeing your medication, is familiar with support groups and is encouraging you to attend. Many doctors fail to suggest group therapy or support groups. In addition, many persons with bipolar disorder are either afraid or ashamed to attend a group of fellow patients.

Many of us struggle with our emotions and their effects on our relationships. We all seek intimacy and a sense of connection, but they may elude us. The support group provides a comfortable environment where one learns that one is not alone. Those present at the meetings share a variety of experiences with others, and learn that all share some common history.

As far as what occurs, most groups begin with a short introduction, led by a facilitator, who also is a member of the group. The introduction will include some explanation of the rules of the group, usually an expectation of confidentiality and encouragement to use “I” statements as opposed to advice giving. The facilitator’s introduction is followed by group members introducing themselves individually. Participation is purely voluntary. After individual introductions of those who wish to share, the group is devoted to open discussion for the rest of the meeting. At first some members may hesitate to participate, but the social support and sense of belonging soon overcome any hesitancy.

By attending a support group, you will learn new facts about mood disorders, learn new skills in social interaction, learn of similarities among all people with mood disorders, share experiences, and make new friends and acquaintances. Most importantly, you will decrease the sense of isolation that we all feel and make progress in attaining a higher sense of belonging and connection.

If your experience is similar to my own, you will choose to attend support groups regularly. For me, I have learned to attend often, especially when I mistakenly tell myself I am doing well and no reason to attend. Those are the very times when I get the most from the support and sharing in the group. “Try it, you’ll like it.”

I am very pleased that you have asked this question. First, I am impressed that your new doctor, who I assume is a psychiatrist overseeing your medication, is familiar with support groups and is encouraging you to attend. Many doctors fail to suggest group therapy or support groups. In addition, many persons with bipolar disorder are either afraid or ashamed to attend a group of fellow patients.

Many of us struggle with our emotions and their effects on our relationships. We all seek intimacy and a sense of connection, but they may elude us. The support group provides a comfortable environment where one learns that one is not alone. Those present at the meetings share a variety of experiences with others, and learn that all share some common history.

As far as what occurs, most groups begin with a short introduction, led by a facilitator, who also is a member of the group. The introduction will include some explanation of the rules of the group, usually an expectation of confidentiality and encouragement to use “I” statements as opposed to advice giving. The facilitator’s introduction is followed by group members introducing themselves individually. Participation is purely voluntary. After individual introductions of those who wish to share, the group is devoted to open discussion for the rest of the meeting. At first some members may hesitate to participate, but the social support and sense of belonging soon overcome any hesitancy.

By attending a support group, you will learn new facts about mood disorders, learn new skills in social interaction, learn of similarities among all people with mood disorders, share experiences, and make new friends and acquaintances. Most importantly, you will decrease the sense of isolation that we all feel and make progress in attaining a higher sense of belonging and connection.

If your experience is similar to my own, you will choose to attend support groups regularly. For me, I have learned to attend often, especially when I mistakenly tell myself I am doing well and no reason to attend. Those are the very times when I get the most from the support and sharing in the group. “Try it, you’ll like it.”

I am very pleased that you have asked this question. First, I am impressed that your new doctor, who I assume is a psychiatrist overseeing your medication, is familiar with support groups and is encouraging you to attend. Many doctors fail to suggest group therapy or support groups. In addition, many persons with bipolar disorder are either afraid or ashamed to attend a group of fellow patients.

Many of us struggle with our emotions and their effects on our relationships. We all seek intimacy and a sense of connection, but they may elude us. The support group provides a comfortable environment where one learns that one is not alone. Those present at the meetings share a variety of experiences with others, and learn that all share some common history.

As far as what occurs, most groups begin with a short introduction, led by a facilitator, who also is a member of the group. The introduction will include some explanation of the rules of the group, usually an expectation of confidentiality and encouragement to use “I” statements as opposed to advice giving. The facilitator’s introduction is followed by group members introducing themselves individually. Participation is purely voluntary. After individual introductions of those who wish to share, the group is devoted to open discussion for the rest of the meeting. At first some members may hesitate to participate, but the social support and sense of belonging soon overcome any hesitancy.

By attending a support group, you will learn new facts about mood disorders, learn new skills in social interaction, learn of similarities among all people with mood disorders, share experiences, and make new friends and acquaintances. Most importantly, you will decrease the sense of isolation that we all feel and make progress in attaining a higher sense of belonging and connection.

If your experience is similar to my own, you will choose to attend support groups regularly. For me, I have learned to attend often, especially when I mistakenly tell myself I am doing well and no reason to attend. Those are the very times when I get the most from the support and sharing in the group. “Try it, you’ll like it.”

~Dr. Manuel S. Silverman, PhD