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Support Group Principles and Guidelines

Agenda
  1. Welcome

  2. Read Principles of Support

  3. Read Group Guidelines

  4. Check In/Opening Stories (2 minutes maximum each)

  5. Group Discussion

  6. Closing

Principles of Support

  1. We will see the individual first, not the illness.

  2. We recognize that mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers.

  3. We understand that mental illnesses are traumatic events.

  4. We aim for better coping skills.

  5. We find strength in sharing experiences.

  6. We reject stigma and do not tolerate discrimination.

  7. We won’t judge anyone’s pain as less than our own.

  8. We forgive ourselves and reject guilt.

  9. We embrace humor as healthy.

  10. We accept we cannot solve all problems.

  11. We expect a better future in a realistic way.

  12. We will never give up hope.

Group Guidelines
  1. Start and stop on time

  2. Time limit for check in/opening story

  3. Absolute confidentiality

  4. Be respectful

  5. Be mindful of others (no monopolizing or cross talk)

  6. Let’s keep it in the here and now

  7. Empathize with each other’s situation

Predictable Stages of Emotional Reactions

I. Dealing with the 

Catastrophic Event

​

Crisis/Chaos/Shock

Denial; “normalizing”  

Hoping against hope

​

Needs:

Support

Comfort

Empathy for confusion

Help finding resources

Early intervention

Prognosis

Empathy for pain

NAMI

II. Learning

to Cope

​​​

Anger/Guilt/Resentment  Recognition

Grief

​

Needs:

Vent feelings

Self-care

Education

Skill training

Networking

Co-operation from system

Letting go

Keep hope

NAMI

III. Moving

into Advocacy

 

Understanding

Acceptance

Advocacy/Action

 

Needs:

Restoring balance in life

Activism

Responsiveness from system

  NAMI

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