Do you think there should be some organized therapy group for the family, friends and children of people who suffer from depression?
I remember when AA started. Several years later they came up with AlAnon, “Where friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support at Al-Anon and Alateen meetings.”
I’ve been going to a counselor lately, every other Wednesday, just to get a different perspective on things in my life. One of those things is dealing with a daughter, and a daughter in law (and, in retrospect, my youngest sister and my mom) and the issues that arise due to their depression.
I asked the counselor if they had any support systems in place for people like us, for understanding and support.
She said they didn’t.
Do you think they should?
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not affiliated with Al-Anon, nor did AA start Al-Anon.
You have a good idea, Why not start a support group in your community?
Well, they may not be affiliated, but they were started as a result of AA.
Gosh, .... Where would I start? And I’m no psychologist, either. ...
Its a scam. I’ve never been helped from a counsellor. Its one of the reasons that I am apprehensive about being a therapist. Attawapiskat is being ripped off. . They need housing and opportunity not therapy.
You remember when AA started? Really? How old are you?
Contact NAMI. They are an organization that was started by the families of people with mental illness.
Came here to say NAMI.
It is the best fit for people you describe in your OP.
Of course “they” should. The fact that mental health is so very low on the ladder of priorities in this country is digraceful.
@RedDeerGuy1 :: I have been helped from mental health professional. But I actually wanted help and went through a lot to find someone in my price range. It can help if you want it to.
@Dutchess_III I have seen such groups held at hospitals and counseling centers here and there.
@RedDeerGuy1 I have been helped quite a bit by mental health professionals. Not one size fits all. Each person’s needs is different.
I had more bad experiences than good but the good ones were very good and I’m glad of them. My son was offered extended therapy after our experiences with his father’s mental illness. He got more out of a group setting that focused on the collective problems than any one on one therapy. The group was at his school and had to do with mastering his own feelings and how to express them rather than bleating on about his father’s problems.
@RedDeerGuy1 like @johnpowell, I have also gotten help from a mental health professional. Some of those people really do know what they’re doing.
@Duchess I agree with the first person who commented that you’re on to a really good idea. I also think that you should try getting such a support group started yourself.
I’ll start looking into it, guys. Thank you!
I don’t really “need” therapy, just someone to help me see things from a different perspective, and she’s done that. I like it. I hope she doesn’t find me too boring.
^ If anything, “boring” is probably a welcome break for the average counsellor!
There are depression and bipolar support groups, which encourage participation by friends and family members. They are run by the members rather than by therapists. DBSA is one such network of groups.
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