I go because my wife requires me to, but really I struggle with it because it's kind of like a comedy. Listening to people talk for 45 minutes each about their BP issues gets really old, and I really get annoyed. BUT I go because I am required to go.

At first it is really hard, but it does get easier. It helps me out alot gets me out of the house. I learn different ways to cope with this illness. Like I said it was really hard at first and for me if I miss some of them. It feels like the first time all over again but then I get used to it. You don't half to worry about what you share or deal with, you won't bring it up if you are not ready, and sometimes someone else brought up a subject I did not want to go there, so I just kindly stepped out, and if asked why I just stated I could not handle that discussion right now. So go it deffinantly helps.

I've been considering checking out a BP support group meeting but am a little nervous myself.

Thanks for posting this... I'd be interested in hearing other people's experiences.

I have been to 8 consecutive meetings. There have not been any meetings that were similar to each other.

In other words, what keep me going back is how unique that every session is.

Our moderator does a decent job of keeping people to 5 minutes or so, otherwise people tend to ramble on, expecially when they are UP.

Some people just listen. Some people love to talk.
The best thing about it is knowing, hearing, seeing that the way you might be feeling is very near to how many others are feeling.

Good luck, and report back.

I find that they can be really positive. You would have to find the group that feeds your need the best. If you don't mind sitting back and listening to everyone else--throwing what's necessary into your mental inventory that is needed, pretty much any group would be good for you. If you want to share here and there, make sure that there aren't any where there are a few that need to take the cotton out of their ears and put them in their mouth. What works best for me is going to meetings that have people who are around my age as they have probably been dealing with the same things. If I go to ones with people who are much older than myself, they may have not had an onset until recently. They could very well have their lives established. Most that are around my age who have BP disorder typically don't. It wouldn't hurt to check out various group sessions and find the cool medium.

Best of luck..

-JW