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Friends & Family
A component, not common with other support groups, of the Thursday evening meetings of Rockland DBSA is the ‘Friends & Family’ group. Recognizing that the individuals in and around the lives of those with mood disorders have their own challenges and perspectives, and that they also need a safe place wherein they can discuss their situations without judgement, R-DBSA offers a support group that meets concurrently with the mood disorder groups for these supporters, caregivers, loved ones – friends and family – of those dealing with a mood disorder.
Caring for the Caregiver - Helping you help others
Caring for/about a person with a mood disorder is often stressful and exhausting. These tips can help you find the support you need.
01 Ask for help
- Ask a friend to fix dinner, or a relative to help out once a week.
- Make a list of ways others can help so when someone asks, "What can I do?” they can choose from the list.
- Don’t wait for a crisis. Ask for and accept help on a regular basis.
- Even if asking is hard, find at least one resource you can use right away.
02 Express your feelings
- Recognize that feelings of frustration, sadness, anger and depression are normal under the circumstances.
- Talk about your feelings with a friend, counselor, and/or a support group.
03 Take care of your health
- Make sure you are eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and plenty of rest.
- Learn and use stress reduction techniques.
- Don’t put off your own medical care. Talk with your doctor about getting good preventive care.
04 Learn about mood disorders
- Find out about the different types, symptoms, medications, etc. so that you be less likely surprised when issues arise.
- If you can, provide information to family and friends so they will know how to best support you.
05 Avoid Isolation
- Pursue a hobby, take a class; join a reading or discussion group.
- Become active in a community organization.
06 Talk with professionals
- Contact a social worker or local social services agency to help you find resources for yourself.
- Talk with an attorney about legal issues and accountant about finances.
- Find a counselor or therapist for yourself.
07 Watch for signs of burnout
- Not taking care of your own health, feeling lonely, crying or losing your temper more than usual are all signs that you may need help.
- Find someone to talk to if you feel discouraged, frustrated, trapped, or over-burdened.
- Seek professional help if your use of alcohol, sleeping pills, or other sedatives increases and if you are depressed or thinking about suicide.
08 Give yourself a treat
- Buy yourself something; a magazine, book, a trinket.
- Watch a sunset, sunrise; enjoy nature.
- Relax; listen to music, watch a TV show.
- Order takeout.
- Buy yourself flowers.
09 Take time for yourself.
- Consider respite care, home or adult care, if necessary.
- Schedule time for yourself, and stick to it.
- Consider a vacation.
10 Investigate local services
- Meals on wheels.
- Senior/Adult center.
- Library programs.
- Assisted Living.
- Social Services.
Adopted from "Caring For the Caregiver; Practical ways of helping you care for a person with memory loss and confusion.” NAMl-FAMILYA of Rockland