Get the Support You Need

Learn from thousands of users who have made their way through our courses. Need help getting started? Watch this short video.

today's top discussions:

logo

Addiction

Lynn123

2024-03-27 3:02 PM

Managing Drinking Community

logo

New Year's Resolutions

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-03-25 2:47 AM

Managing Drinking Community

logo

Water

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-03-17 5:24 PM

Healthy Weight Community

logo

What motivates you?

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-03-10 10:30 PM

Quit Smoking Community

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

DM555 3 3

Browse through 411.742 posts in 47.053 threads.

160,431 Members

Please welcome our newest members: Jgorilla, anna13, CCaballero, JJAY EVANGEL, VKATE DARLENE

Support Group Dos and Don´ts


13 years ago 0 15 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0

Thank-you, Ashley, for these do's and don't's.  These can also be used by coworkers of depressed people.  However, the only problem is trying to give this advice to them.

13 years ago 0 11210 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi member,

Sometimes it is hard to know how to support other members in the support group.  Luckily the Depression 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


Reading this thread: