Hi members,
Sometimes it is hard to know how to support other members in the support group. Luckily the Panic Center has a great section called Members Helping Members. You can find this information on the homepage of the support group. Click “support fellow members”. The following is a portion of this information I thought we could review. It outlines a quick list of dos and don’t:
Don’ts
* Don’t interrupt the thread. If you feel your response will change the thread topic it is best to create a new thread.
* Don’t tell members you know just how they feel. You may be able to relate but you will never fully grasp what others are going through.
* Don’t say things like "get over it", "it could have been worse", or "you need medication".
* Don’t force your values on others.
* Don’t expect that others will always agree with you or see things the way you do.
* Don’t promise or promote quick fixes.
* Don’t give advice. Explain what has worked for you or ideas you have but do not "lecture".
* Don’t press a member for personal details.
Dos
* Do use the member’s name, this shows the member that you see them as an individual and not just another post.
* Do acknowledge the member for the unique and special person they are.
* Do say thank you for helpful responses.
* Do create many threads to talk about various topics.
* Do post in threads to support fellow members.
* Do offer your perspective.
* Do explain other options in terms of actions to take.
* Do say things like "what you are feeling is understandable" and "I am listening".
* Do be nonjudgmental and accepting.
* Do accept other people’s perspectives.
* Do understand that people do not choose to be depressed, anxious, or addicted.
* Do understand that overcoming mental illness and addiction takes time and hard work.
* Do recognize a member’s successes and help the member to appreciate their achievements.
* Do share your personal experiences.
* Do understand that you do not have to solve the problem for the member.
What would you add to this list? What do you think is important about this list?
Ashley, Health Educator
