Bipolar Support Groups: What To Look For

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia
Updated March 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4.4% of adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in life. If you live with bipolar disorder, you may find it challenging to connect with others who truly understand your experiences. While your family and friends may strive to help you, they might struggle to comprehend what it's like to walk in your shoes. This lack of understanding can sometimes be frustrating for those who live with bipolar disorder.

This is one reason why joining a bipolar support group may be helpful. Below, we’ll discuss bipolar support groups and things to look for to find a group that suits your needs.

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What is a bipolar support group?

A bipolar support group is typically a group of individuals who all experience some type of bipolar disorder, but some groups include individuals who are diagnosed with depression as well. In a bipolar support group, you can meet with other people who may understand the challenges you experience. Unlike family and friends, others with bipolar disorder may be able to truly empathize with how you are feeling.

These types of groups generally have five to 15 people. In addition to having opportunities to talk about your own experiences, you can hear the stories of others, which may help you feel less isolated. It may also help dispel feelings of guilt, self-doubt, or anger as you learn more about how bipolar disorder affects other people. 

Picking a support group: What you should know

There are many bipolar support groups that you can join, whether in person or online. Below are some factors to consider when you are looking at joining a bipolar support group.

Is the group run by a mental health professional?

Each support group tends to be run a little differently. Some groups have a licensed therapist who oversees participants but doesn’t necessarily take an active role in the group. You may want to make sure that you are joining a group that has strong leadership and someone who can step in to offer guidance and insight when needed.

Are there limits in place?

Before joining a group, you might ask about its rules. While you will likely come across several general support groups, which anyone can join and participate in, you may also find specialized groups that have certain guidelines. Some support groups involve the partners or other family members of those living with bipolar disorder. Others may be set up for specific age groups, such as adolescents, young adults, or older adults. 

Once you’ve decided on a group, you can ask about norms related to telling your experiences and whether the group allows for crosstalk or if people take turns expressing them without interruption. You can find out how situations like this and others are handled. When a group is running properly, all of its participants may be more likely to benefit from it.

Does your therapist have a recommendation?

Another possible way to find a bipolar support group is by talking to a licensed therapist since not all groups are posted or known to the public. A therapist may know of the current groups that are meeting in your area. They may even know fellow therapists who run bipolar support groups nearby.

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How does the group operate?

It may be helpful to contact the leader of the group to find out what you can expect during meetings before you show up. This may also give you an opportunity to see if you’ll feel comfortable with the leader of the group. In some cases, you may be able to attend several meetings to get a feel for the group before fully committing to it.

Questions to ask when looking for a group

  • How many people are usually in the group? Is there a limit?

  • Where does the group meet?

  • What time does the group meet?

  • Are there requirements for attending the group?

  • How often are the meetings?

  • How long do the meetings last?

  • Do I need to bring anything to the meeting?

  • Is this bipolar support group part of a larger organization or program?

  • What happens during a typical meeting?

  • Is there a limit as to what topics can be discussed during meetings?

  • How is the group run? Is there a leader facilitating the discussion?

Don't be afraid to try multiple groups

When searching for support with bipolar disorder, you don’t have to commit to a group at first. Trying multiple groups is acceptable. If you have gone to one group and did not have a good experience, that doesn’t mean you won’t find a group that suits your needs. You may find other options that change the way you view your symptoms and ways to manage them. Also, you may find more than one group to be helpful. Some groups meet on different days of the week, so you may be able to find support two or three times per week if needed. 

How to get the most out of your support group

To get the most out of a bipolar support group, it may be helpful to engage in the group. It can be common to feel a little nervous at first, but it may help to remember that the group is designed for people who experience similar symptoms. 

You will likely benefit the most from the group if you are comfortable enough to open up and convey your own experiences. In so doing, you may open the door for others to give helpful information that you can use. If nothing else, sometimes just knowing that someone else has been in the same place as you can help.

When you attend a group meeting, it may be helpful to ask about the rules. Support groups generally have a few rules about communication, and they have usually been put in place to make everyone feel comfortable enough to express themselves. 

Online support groups

If you feel hesitant to meet in person for a support group, there may be online bipolar support groups that you can join. This may be especially helpful if you are experiencing challenging symptoms and don’t feel well enough to leave home and visit an in-person support group. It can also be a useful option if there are no local groups that meet in your area. With an online support group, you can participate in meetings from anywhere in the country.

Another way to receive support without having to leave your home is via individual online therapy. With an online therapy service, you can choose how you’d like to connect with a therapist, whether via audio, video chat, or live messaging. Meeting with a therapist through the web may help save you time, money, and stress that might otherwise accompany attending sessions in person. Also, connecting with a therapist may help you locate support groups, whether in person or online.

Research demonstrates the effectiveness of online therapy for treating many mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. For instance, one recent review of several studies analyzing online and smartphone-based treatment for bipolar disorder discovered both treatment options helped patients with their symptoms. 

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Takeaway

Bipolar support groups can help you meet others who understand what it’s like to live with this disorder. Aside from telling your experiences to others, you may glean insight that can help you better manage your own symptoms. When searching for a group, it may help to ask about the group format and the expectations for joining the group. In addition to talking to others in a support group, you may benefit from speaking to a licensed therapist, whether in person or online. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who has training and experience treating people with bipolar disorder. Take the first step toward getting assistance with bipolar disorder and reach out to BetterHelp today.
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