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    Zoom support groups

    Since the pandemic there have been no in-person mood disorders support groups where I live. I really miss them at times. We had a drop-in one every 2nd week, including throughout the summer, and you went if you wanted to, or not, and it suited me very well.

    Now I've discovered something similar online using Zoom, and although it's from two provinces away they accepted me. I've attended twice so far and found it worthwhile. Not as good as in-person, but that's okay, at least it's an option that exists these days. I'm wondering if anyone else on the forum has tried such groups, and if so, what do you think of them?
    uni

    ~ it's always worth it ~

    #2
    The group I go to meets in person and by Zoom on alternating weeks. I use an avatar rather than appear on camera on the Zoom meetings. In general I dislike Zoom or appearing on camera because I feel like there are privacy concerns.

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      #3
      Other than the fact that it's a Zoom meeting, the meetings are fine, but I still prefer the in person. Our in-person meeting usually has 4-8 people and the Zoom usually has about the same.

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        #4
        Thanks for replying, Hazelcat. I too much prefer in person meetings, appointments, etc. However, until or if we get one where I live, I'll probably do some more zoom.
        uni

        ~ it's always worth it ~

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          #5
          Originally posted by uni View Post
          Thanks for replying, Hazelcat. I too much prefer in person meetings, appointments, etc. However, until or if we get one where I live, I'll probably do some more zoom.
          Yeah makes sense. It's certainly better than nothing.

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            #6
            Hi uni! I have quite a bit of experience with online support groups hosted over Zoom, and I regularly attend one that is held for folks with bipolar disorder. Often, I find attending really helpful, as everyone in the group (whether they work for the organization, or are just an attendee) has bipolar and can relate to a lot of the experiences that folks bring up in the group. When I was first diagnosed a year and a half ago, I remember turning to this group for insight into the "trajectory" of my condition - they listened to all of my concerns (for example, my worries then about needing to take medication every day for the rest of my life to remain stable, or have my best chance at stability), and they met me with empathy and understanding.

            Sometimes, I find I cannot bring myself to the meetings because I am either too depressed or too manic, but I think that is normal. Apart of these support groups is supporting others through their qualms and personal bipolar journeys, and when I can barely support myself, I find I may not be the most useful person in the meetings. That's just a personal feeling though; whether you decide to try online support groups or not, you will be told that you do not have to participate more than you wish. Some of the people in my bipolar online support groups would even just listen to everyone else talk, or provide a brief update and leave soon after if they were really struggling. The point of a support group like this is primarily for it to benefit you & for you to find meaningful community among others with the same/similar condition(s) as you.

            If you have ended up trying an online form of support group, I would be curious to know how it worked for you! I hope you are taking care

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks for the reply BreanneP, I appreciate it.

              It sounds like the Zoom group you go to is helpful. And it's nice that you can participate, or not, to whatever extent you choose. The ones I've attended are that way too.

              The meetings I've tried are for "general" mental health peer support, which includes depression as well as other diagnoses. I like the mix, actually. So far I find they're run very well, and the participants are very understanding and respectful, even empathetic, so that's really nice. I plan to keep dropping in every week or two for a while, to give it a fair run. So far, so good
              uni

              ~ it's always worth it ~

              Comment


                #8
                That's awesome, uni! I have considered going to general MH peer support groups myself, as some are available at my university. I'm happy to hear you had a positive experience with them, and I can imagine that the diversity of folks with different MH concerns/conditions in your groups could provide unique perspectives/advice that are helpful towards holistic mental well-being!I hope your Zoom support groups continue to work for you!

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                  #9
                  Thanks , Uni for posting this .. and thanks , Hazelcat and BreanneP for your comments..
                  I wish I saw your post earlier this summer ..
                  ..
                  I lost contact with mental health peer support groups because of two things :
                  First .. relocating to a different region in southern Ontario back in 2019
                  ​​​​Second .. Pandemic in 2020
                  ..
                  I joined a zoom support group for men only back in 2020 .. it wasn't related to mental health but some men would mention their mental health struggles occasionally but not as a main subject ..
                  We started meeting in person in late 2021 .. but still it's not what I'm looking for .. I left the group a year ago ..
                  ..
                  Right now I'm looking for peer support groups on Zoom or in person and please reply if you have any suggestions ..

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                    #10
                    Hello Jafar. I suggest you check out the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario and the support groups listed under "Hope + Me" on the MDAO website. I don't think you'll be disappointed. They have some groups via zoom and some in person.
                    uni

                    ~ it's always worth it ~

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                      #11
                      Thanks , Uni.. will check it out

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                        #12
                        Hi Uni,

                        I am so glad that your group meetings are going well and everyone is being respectful. Sometimes its difficult to find a group that suits as well and meets our expectations. Thank you so much Uni for letting Jafar know about the support group list. I was unaware of this list and appreciate your feedback, as always.

                        Mocha231

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                          #13
                          I have to credit our late forum member and moderator Paul M., who passed away a few years ago, for originally bringing those groups to my attention. Paul was empathetic, helpful, and well respected here, and is sorely missed. Thankfully, his posts remain, and are worth re-reading, or if you missed them, reading for the first time. Typing paulm or Paul M in the search box brings at least some of them up.
                          Last edited by uni; September 27, 2024, 02:13 PM.
                          uni

                          ~ it's always worth it ~

                          Comment


                            #14
                            It's a pleasure for me to read your comment , Uni ..
                            Paul M will always be remembered ..

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Yes Uni. I can’t agree more!
                              AJ

                              Humans punish themselves endlessly
                              for not being what they believe they should be.
                              -Don Miguel Ruiz-

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