• Do I have to register to attend a meeting?
• Is there a cost to attend?
• What happens at a DBSA support group meeting?
• What does not happen at a DBSA support group meeting?
• Will I have to participate or can I just observe?
• Are friends and family welcome?
• Do DBSA meetings follow a 12-step format?
• What about Confidentiality?

Do I have to register to attend a meeting?
There is no registration required.

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Is there a cost to attend?
All DBSA meetings are free. There is a request for a donation but it is completely voluntary.

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What happens at a DBSA support group meeting?
Self-help: DBSA support group meetings focus on mutual aid and strategies for living the fullest life possible. Participants continually seek to provide hope, reassurance and encouragement to one another. By sharing experiences, insights and ideas, people get peer-to-peer support from others who have “been there.” DBSA groups meet regularly and are completely free of charge.

Acceptance and safety: Participants make the group a safe place by fostering a supportive, trustworthy, respectful, non-judgmental atmosphere. All those attending have an opportunity to share strategies, tips, and experiences that can help others cope successfully with depression or bipolar disorder. Participants have the common goal of wanting to live successfully with their illness, and do not criticize the choices other group members make. Rather, they encourage each other to learn from the experiences shared and make their own informed decisions.

Confidentiality: What happens at a DBSA support group stays within the group. No one may reveal information about the people attending the group or what is said during the meeting. Exceptions to this policy are made only when the safety of an individual is in danger.

Peer leadership: Each support group meeting is facilitated by someone with depression or bipolar disorder or a family member. The facilitator guides discussion, provides focus to the group and helps ensure that group principles/rules are followed. Facilitators are oriented in group leadership, receive guidance and resources from DBSA staff, and have the opportunity to attend leadership training sponsored by DBSA. DBSA support groups are run by volunteer leaders of local DBSA chapters. These chapters also provide other services to the community. Many chapters host educational meetings, lead advocacy efforts, coordinate outreach efforts and more. Getting involved in chapter activities has proven to be helpful to thousands of DBSA participants.

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What does not happen at a DBSA support group meeting?
Therapy or treatment: Group attendance is a valuable supplement to professional care (whether that care includes medication, talk therapy or other treatment methods) but is not a substitute for it. Group participants do not seek to diagnose one another. DBSA, its chapters and its support groups do not endorse or recommend the use of any specific treatments or medications. Each individual should work with his or her own health care professional(s) to determine his or her best possible treatment plan.

A lecture by an expert: Although some meetings feature guest speakers or special lectures, most DBSA groups are of the “share/care” variety, in which everyone is encouraged to share, if they wish to.

A religion or a 12-step group: Group participants are not compelled to accept any particular set of beliefs or to follow any particular list of “steps”. It is understood that each person’s path toward wellness is unique.

A “pity party”: While participants often share the challenges of their lives and the feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression and bipolar disorder, groups focus on day-by-day coping, not on self-pity.

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Will I have to participate or can I just observe?
Talking is always optional at meetings so there is no pressure to participate if you want to just listen.

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Are friends and family welcome?
We encourage friends and family members to attend by themselves or with their loved one.

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Do DBSA meetings follow a 12-step format?
No. DBSA is not a 12 Step program. There is no program, manual, sponsors or other aspects of 12 Step programs.

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What about Confidentiality?
Anything that is said in the meeting room stays there. All meetings are confidential. All members are expected to follow this guideline.

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