No, we don’t have a name. We are not DBT or CBT-based. We are just teenagers and a couple of young adults that have mental disorders, and believe it or not, we met in a church setting. We have a lot of diagnoses in the bunch, ranging from ADHD to Bipolar Disorder (which is common in the group) to DID/Multiple Personality Disorder.
Sometimes at a meal, we sit down, catch up with each other, and talk about the tough parts of having a certain disorder. I feel like it’s a good thing that we joke around and that we have fun. We go and we have so many inside jokes.
It’s a really good thing that we have each other. We were once called the outcasts at church gatherings because we didn’t know what to do or where to go; we didn’t know who would accept us for all of us. It started about 3 years ago with my boyfriend and I. We met, and we bonded with each other, and we became each other’s support. In 2012, the group doubled to 4, and that’s when we had someone with depression come in. We also had someone with multiple personalities join our group, and that’s when we accepted all of them. It was also the first time we talked about mental illness, and we found out it was a rather comfortable subject.
In 2013, I met a girl who was diagnosed with depression as well, and she was one of the most amazing people I’d ever met. She’s like a daughter to me, and there’s an ongoing joke that she is my daughter. I don’t mind it though.
Then, last year, the group grew to more than double the people we had in 2012, so we have about 10, 11 people in the group now. I’m proud to say that they’re my group and I can have nothing but joy when I’m with them. But, yeah, just some positive vibes today.
I’m tired of being negative.
I have never spoken to someone who has a mental illness. This is one of the reasons I came on here, to vent and find similar people.
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How unfortunate. I know how alone you must feel, but don’t worry! You have this community to chat with! You’ll find that so many people here have similar stories for you. For example, I was in psychosis, and that was one of the most scariest times in my life, so I kind of understand how you feel.
Just keep blogging, and you’ll find awesome people to talk to and relate to. 🙂 I promise.
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I do feel awfully alone, like no one understands me because they haven’t experienced it themselves. Hopefully now I can chat to people over this blog that have been through what I have been through and going through.
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Right, I understand that feeling. I recommend looking up Lazarus and Lithium because they have some of the things that you’re struggling with as well. She’s really awesome. Maybe you could talk to her.
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Thanks for the recommendations I’ll look them up!
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You’re welcome!
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Hi there! You’re not alone, I can promise you that. This community is so super helpful 🙂 Let me know if you need anything!
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Thanks I have followed you, will be interesting to hear your stories. I’m sure you will hear from me 🙂
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I’m a high school teacher and want to start a support group at school. I’m not sure it will work because the kids either don’t know why they are feeling the way they do or they are too embarrassed to let others know. I need advice: What would get an unwell high school kid interested and brave enough to want to meet and talk with others after school?
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Well, I know that when I was a high-schooler, I used to love snacking. Maybe make it into a relaxing environment as well. Teens like it when they have a place where they can unwind. I wouldn’t limit it just to kids with mental disorders. Welcome everyone that is willing to join.
In high school, I remember something that was ran like a support group. The teacher was nice and friendly and she’d talk in a non-judgmental way. I suggest you do the same; try to be unbiased when it comes to these things. Encourage sharing, listening, and let the students gain a sense of supporting others as well.
Other than that, just hope that it takes off. That’s all I can think of right now. I hoped this helps!
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Thank You! It really helps. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.
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Please do, and good luck!
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