Best Online Bipolar Disorder Online Support Groups Part 3
In this 7 part series we are going to list off the best groups for online support that you can visit and take advantage of their great sites. We will be looking at Variety, Live Chat, Scheduled group meetings, Personal growth, Education, Intuitive site and of course, best overall.
Last week we named HealthfulChat best for Variety. This week we are going to pick the best for Scheduled Group Meetings.
Best Scheduled Group Meetings site is The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), previously known as the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to outreach, education, and advocacy, with a primary emphasis on providing support groups for individuals with depression or bipolar disorder, as well as their friends and family.
DBSA’s online platform offers educational resources, tools, peer support, and motivational stories to assist those with bipolar disorder in their journey towards wellness. It allows users to locate a local chapter for community connections, and if available, join a local support group.
Unlike most online support groups that rely on forums, DBSA conducts regular online meetings. They host specific groups for “Friends and Family,” “Young Adults,” and “Caregivers,” in addition to more general support groups for individuals with bipolar disorder. These groups meet every day of the week, sometimes more than once.
All support group leaders at DBSA are peers, meaning they have personal experience living with a mood disorder. Their online support groups aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people living with depression and bipolar disorder to share experiences, discuss coping strategies, and offer hope to each other.