6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Social Group

7:00 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.
Large Support Group Check-In and Announcements

7:10 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Split into Small Support Groups

7:15 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.
Small Support Groups Part I
(Anyone arriving after 7:15 p.m., may visit the cafeteria for coffee or a snack and return at Break to enter group.)

7:55 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Break (Latecomers may now enter one of the Small Support Groups)

8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Small Support Groups Part II

PEER SUPPORT:
We are a peer support group for adults with depression and bipolar disorder. Youth with depression and bipolar disorder may attend the DBSA NOVA: Teen Support Group. Our family and friends may attend the DBSA NCA Family Support Group.

SHARE THE AIR:
We want everyone to have the opportunity to share. Time is limited, so we ask that everyone be respectful of other participants’ share-time needs. The facilitator may sometimes need to respectfully and gently interrupt participants to put closure on their share, to ensure there is enough time for everyone to share.

GIVE BACK:
We recognize that we often benefit as much by supporting others, as we do by receiving support.

ONE PERSON SHARES AT A TIME:
Each person will be allowed to share without interruptions or side conversations.

WHAT IS SAID HERE STAYS HERE:
This is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected by all.

DIFFERENCES OF OPINION ARE OK:
We are all entitled to our own point of view; and we can agree to disagree.

WE ARE ALL EQUAL:
Accept cultural, language, social and racial differences and promote their acceptance.

USE “I” STATEMENTS:
Because we do not participate in support groups as credentialed professionals, we do not instruct or advise. Please refrain from making “You Should” statements. We are unique individuals, and only we know what is best for our own health (along with our doctor’s and therapist’s recommendations). We share from our own personal experiences with “I” statements. Example: “In my experience, I have found…” “I feel hurt when you say…”

IT’S OK NOT TO SHARE:
Participants do not have to share if they do not wish to.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the discussion groups a safe place to share:
We respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness and show compassion.