Self Help
Turning Mental Health on its Head!
This association has primarily been formed for the purposes of Mutual Support and Self Help for those people whose lives are influenced by a Mood Disorder.
What does self-help mean?
- A self- help group is made up of people who have personal experience of the same or similar problem or life situation. In our case it is people whose lives are affected by an affective mood disorder, be they sufferers or family and friends.
- Members gather together in an atmosphere of empathy and understanding to help themselves and others. They share experiences, provide practical information, and advice on ways of coping with the illness.
- Each member of the group accepts some responsibility for keeping the group going and for coping individually.
- A self-help group is a group of equals – all members of the group have some expertise to contribute to the common problem. It is an opportunity to pool resources and talents with others in order to learn more about Affective Mood Disorders and self-management of the illness.
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What are the benefits of being part of Self-Help group?
- Members receive acceptance, empathy and encouragement. Those who share the difficulties of the illness give genuine concern and caring.
- There is a wide scope for members to take part in gaining more information and education on their specific illness.
- Helping others in the group by sharing experiences can enhance a person’s self esteem and encourage the development of a more positive attitude towards dealing with the difficulties of the illness.
- Knowing that you have support and the opportunity to form friendships can reduce the pain and isolation during the active episodes of an illness.
- As a group there may be greater opportunities to educate society as a whole and bring about a change in attitudes and removal of the stigma in relation to mental illness.
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