General Local Support Group For Supporters

[maggie1110]

I have searched over and over for a local support group. I'm not sure I'm searching using the right words. Can someone please tell me how to find a support group for myself in my area? Is it possible that there aren't any even though I'm close to a fairly large city?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Do you mean just for PTSD? Its hard enough to find a group just for PTSD sufferers, let alone supporters. (Unless its through the VA perhaps?)

NAMI runs classes for supporters, but I think is a yearly thing? My family went a few years ago. It was not ongoing though, rather it was more like a class. We live out in the sticks, BTW, so I'm guessing there may be more NAMI support in more urban areas?

ETA The NAMI class isn't just for PTSD, but for all types of mental illness.

 

[maggie1110]

@Solara, yes, I've looked on the NAMI site and the classes they offer were geared more towards bi-polar from what I could tell. I've written their phone number down and plan to call them tomorrow. Them plus SupportWorks. I just don't know what kind of group to go into. The last group I was involved in was a group of people who all had varying mental issues. I was the only spouse/supporter/caregiver in the group so it made me feel like I was in a group with 8-10 people who were similar to my husband. That didn't help me at all. I felt like I was able to give support, but didn't get any. Maybe when we check out a local hospital for partial hospitalization tomorrow, they can direct me to a group. I don't know...

 

[Hope4Now]

Psychology today has a search function. I found some through that.

 

[darrenS]

Actually NAMI covers all mental illnesses and its a great course, its called peer to peer, NAMI also offers support groups but doing peer to peer is a prerequisite to getting into the support group. I am doing the peer to peer now and i thought the same at first...its not exclusive ptsd ..etc , after being in the course for 5 weeks , i can tell you , i am the only one in 10 people with ptsd but once you start talking you will find there is a commonality, first and foremost the thing you learn first is being diagnosed with a mental illness is traumatic to many in itself .

They also conduct groups for carers and supporters of people with mental illness and they are usually booked out for a few months in advance, my ex wife done one and couldn't speak highly enough of the staff and the course.

I hope you find the support your looking for

 

[darrenS]

I must also state that I joined a ptsd support group from Meet up , I wouldnt do that again as any group with either a focus for the sufferers or supporters really does need a facilitator, otherwise it does become in some ways an exercise in distress

 

[Seasounds]

1. From the 'Meet Up' website, that there is a PTSD group in my area.You could start one in your area;
   www.meetup.com/
   
   
2. There is a 'Therapist Referral Service' for my area where I can specifically search for groups.

 

[Seasounds]

@darrenS, after reading your comment on experiencing a Meet Up Group for PTSD, which I haven't, it made me wish there was an equivalent, non-religious 12 step version for PTSD. (At least I find the form and structure of 12 step groups to be pretty neutralizing.)

I had often wondered how a PTSD group would be. It would take a good facilitator, to keep things balanced. Thanks for your response.

 

[ISupportHer]

I was never able to find a support group either. I did go something called BiPolar Alliance, that has a sub-meeting for supporters monthly. Sometimes , I found, you can cast a wide net and then filter out concepts that help. Not the same as someone else with the same specific experience but at least it helps a little

 

[Seasounds]

Maybe just meeting up with one or two people, one on one, through Craig's List?

A thought, since groups can get "heavy". I've not found a good enough group facilitator yet-a facilitator can't really protect, or up lift, all of the people all of the time.

 

[darrenS]

Maybe just meeting up with one or two people, one on one, through Craig's List?

Without being deemed as offensive, PTSD has many facets, most people i have met have been reasonably stable, however i have met some that would click and react with violence , so i would be very very careful. This is why i suggest a facilitated group as there needs to be at least a basic filter on place to safeguard everyone's interest and well being