Bipolar Support Groups: What To Look For

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder that causes changes in feeling, behavior, and cognition. People living with this mental health condition can experience functional impairment, emotional challenges, and, notably, social isolation. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4.4% of adults will experience bipolar disorder at some point in life. If you live with bipolar disorder, you may find it challenging to connect with others who truly understand your experiences. While your family and friends may strive to help you, they might struggle to comprehend what it's like to walk in your shoes. This lack of understanding can sometimes be frustrating for those who live with bipolar disorder.

This is one reason why joining a bipolar support group may be helpful. Below, we’ll discuss bipolar support groups and things to look for to find a group that suits your needs.

What is a bipolar support group?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, participating in support groups “improves mental health outcomes by creating community, fostering connection and leading to a sense of belonging”. These types of groups generally have five to 15 people. In addition to having opportunities to talk about your own experiences with bipolar disorder, you can hear the stories of others, which may help you feel less isolated. Support groups may also help dispel feelings of guilt, self-doubt, or anger as you learn more about how bipolar disorder affects other people. 

Picking a support group: What you should know

There are many bipolar support groups that you can join, whether in person or online. Below are some factors to consider when you are looking at joining a bipolar support group.

Is the group run by a mental health professional?

Each support group tends to be run a little differently. Some groups have a licensed therapist who oversees participants but doesn’t necessarily take an active role in the group. You may want to make sure that you are joining a group that has strong leadership and someone who can step in to offer guidance and insight when needed. In groups run by mental health professionals, participants can take advantage of the expertise of a bipolar disorder specialist. Still, peer-led groups (such as those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness) can be helpful, providing participants the opportunity to learn from one another based on personal experience with bipolar disorder.  

Are there limits in place?

Before joining a group, you might ask about its rules. While you will likely come across several general support groups, which anyone can join and participate in, you may also find specialized groups that have certain guidelines. Some support groups involve the partners or other family members of those living with bipolar disorder (e.g., the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ family support group). Others may be set up for specific age groups, such as adolescents, young adults, or older adults. 

Once you’ve decided on a group, you can ask about norms related to telling your experiences and whether the group allows for crosstalk or if people take turns expressing them without interruption. You can find out how situations like this and others are handled. When a group is running properly, all of its participants may be more likely to benefit from it.

Does your therapist have a recommendation?

Another possible way to find a bipolar support group is by talking to a licensed therapist since not all groups are posted or known to the public. A therapist may know of the current groups that are meeting in your area. They may even know fellow mental health professionals who run bipolar support groups nearby.

How does the group operate?

It may be helpful to contact the leader of the group to find out what you can expect during meetings before you show up. This may also give you an opportunity to see if you’ll feel comfortable with the leader of the group. In some cases, you may be able to attend several meetings to get a feel for the group before fully committing to it.

Questions to ask when looking for a group

• How many people are usually in the group? Is there a limit?

• Where does the group meet?

• What time does the group meet?

• Are there requirements for attending the group?

• How often are the meetings?

• How long do the meetings last?

• Do I need to bring anything to the meeting?

• Is this bipolar support group part of a larger organization or program?

• What happens during a typical meeting?

• Is there a limit as to what topics can be discussed during meetings?

• How is the group run? Is there a leader facilitating the discussion?

Don't be afraid to try multiple groups

When searching for support with bipolar disorder, you don’t have to commit to a group at first. Trying multiple groups is acceptable. If you have gone to one group and did not have a good experience, that doesn’t mean you won’t find a group that suits your needs. You may find other options that change the way you view your symptoms and ways to manage them. Also, you may find more than one group to be helpful. Some groups meet on different days of the week, so you may be able to find support two or three times per week if needed. 

Some mental health organizations host support groups that individuals with bipolar disorder may find helpful. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance maintains a list of several local, in-person support groups for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness hosts local support groups for individuals experiencing a range of mental health conditions. 

How to get the most out of your support group

To get the most out of a bipolar support group, it may be helpful to engage in the group. It can be common to feel a little nervous at first, but it may help to remember that the group is designed for people who experience similar symptoms. 

You will likely benefit the most from the group if you are comfortable enough to open up and convey your own experiences. In so doing, you may open the door for others to give helpful information that you can use. If nothing else, sometimes just knowing that someone else has been in the same place as you can help.

When you attend a group meeting, it may be helpful to ask about the rules. Support groups generally have a few rules about communication, and they have usually been put in place to make everyone feel comfortable enough to express themselves. 

Online support groups

If you feel hesitant to meet in person for a support group, there may be online bipolar support groups that you can join. This may be especially helpful if you are experiencing challenging symptoms and don’t feel well enough to leave home and visit an in-person support group. It can also be a useful option if there are no local groups that meet in your area. With an online support group, you can participate in meetings from anywhere in the country. You can find online peer support groups through the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

Another way for people living with bipolar disorder to receive support without leaving home is via individual online therapy. With an online therapy service, you can choose how you’d like to connect with a therapist, whether via audio, video chat, or live messaging. Meeting with a therapist through the web may help save you time, money, and stress that might otherwise accompany attending sessions in person. Also, connecting with a therapist may help you locate support groups, whether in person or online.

Research demonstrates the effectiveness of online therapy for treating many mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. For instance, one recent review of several studies analyzing online and smartphone-based treatment for bipolar disorder discovered both treatment options helped patients with their symptoms.