Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
So I reached out and went to a DBSA support group in my area. It was informative and the guy sitting next to me was friendly. It was open to Beepers and family/friends, so it was pretty open. I learned a couple of things and even participated in the discussion a little bit. But after the meeting was over, everyone sort of broke off into pairs and talked to each other-except for me. I wanted to but I just sauntered out. I don't know how to approach people. How do you approach someone after a meeting? I saw a few people there I would have liked to talk to but I felt shy and clumsy. I don't even know what to say, really, I just want to make contact with the outside world and have a conversation with a beeper in real life.
I feel self-conscious about my appearance. I guess I could try to dress up, but even then... What would you say after a meeting to someone you thought looked nice or who said something interesting? I guess I could say, "Oh, I like what you had to say about such and such..." I don't know, but I don't always come up with it on the spot, you know? I should come armed with conversation topics or something. I mean really, I draw blank.
But I want to talk to other BP's and get their input/experiences because the meeting only lasts so long and there are a lot of people so only so much time per person. So anyway, how do I get over myself. Thoughts?
I feel self-conscious about my appearance. I guess I could try to dress up, but even then... What would you say after a meeting to someone you thought looked nice or who said something interesting? I guess I could say, "Oh, I like what you had to say about such and such..." I don't know, but I don't always come up with it on the spot, you know? I should come armed with conversation topics or something. I mean really, I draw blank.
But I want to talk to other BP's and get their input/experiences because the meeting only lasts so long and there are a lot of people so only so much time per person. So anyway, how do I get over myself. Thoughts?
Good luck :-)
I attend and chair support group meeting here where I live. The first time is always the hardest....becuase of our fears. One thing I have learned is to find a home group....one you are comfortable with, and if you can or have to, shop around. I attendd 3 other groups before I found the right one for me. Also, everytime I atten a meeting or chair, I can relate to something in there...like it's an answer to what was on my mind....and to remind me, I'm not alone, there are others out there going thru the same thing. When I first attended meetings, I was like most, I sat there and didn't say anything, not did I approach anyone. but wach time I went I got more used to it and I had others approach me and made me feel welcomed. Good luck to you. ;o)