DailyStrength Members Community Support Group
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I've been thinking about a buddy/ referral system for the more difficult queries that need urgent and specific replies.
For example I've had a couple of cases where people in the UK are trying to get a diagnosis, I know a few short cuts. Also I know a fair bit about some of the key medications, like how long they take to work, side effects.
But someone else would have more knowledge about say pregnancy and taking BP meds. Or a teenage girl just diagnosed.
I've tried to connect people where I can but it often takes a little while as I have to ask the inquirer if they want me to find someone, ask that person if they are willing to help etc. I was thinking perhaps the CLs could run an informal register of volunteer members who are willing to talk to people on specific topics, largely off board.
I think for us in BP it would work best informally because the Cl can check the volunteers status (ie doesn't ask if they are feeling bad..or too good), share the load plus generally I think many will be shy of having their name on some published list.
Just an idea.
For example I've had a couple of cases where people in the UK are trying to get a diagnosis, I know a few short cuts. Also I know a fair bit about some of the key medications, like how long they take to work, side effects.
But someone else would have more knowledge about say pregnancy and taking BP meds. Or a teenage girl just diagnosed.
I've tried to connect people where I can but it often takes a little while as I have to ask the inquirer if they want me to find someone, ask that person if they are willing to help etc. I was thinking perhaps the CLs could run an informal register of volunteer members who are willing to talk to people on specific topics, largely off board.
I think for us in BP it would work best informally because the Cl can check the volunteers status (ie doesn't ask if they are feeling bad..or too good), share the load plus generally I think many will be shy of having their name on some published list.
Just an idea.
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Thanks to everyone that posted and replied. It is supportive and needed.I have a question for the board (from my pervious post)… How do you live with Bipolar? I know this a rather broad and all-encompassing question, but this is one that I am struggling with daily. I have my drug cocktail just about dialed in, do you ever have any hypomanic phases? I am depressed quite a bit, but it is...
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I have been flying for over a week, spending a fortune on crap i do not need, even buying a few things twice because i forgot i had just bought them. luckily i stayed in the house most of the time although the dog must have thought i had lost my mind. the crash started on Friday and is getting steadily worse - suicidal ideation is back after my first break from it for years. It is always worse...
It would be terrific, on BP forum, at least, if everyone had one (or two) friends that had their phone number and emergency contact info.
So if someone starts threatening suicide, we don't have to sit on our hands waiting for them to get back online. Very frustrating!
Natch, it could only be shared via private msg. and only in real emergencies.
Of course we have the issue of people coming and going all the time, so it might need to be more than one or two.
I still think our most serious risk was someone who would not share their info, too paranoid. But maybe we can do something.
Another thing perhaps is a what happens if DS goes offline..or folds?
I know alot of people do have a few friends that have their phone number. After a year and a half here, I've only given out my phone number to one person to help with their computer. And that person is only online a short time everyday...so no one would have my contact info, if needed.
I know it's a fairly reg. prob. on our forum at least, and I suppose the depression forum for suicide threats. And if they go offline, we feel helpless.
I see another thread along the same lines...going to check it out.
Still say, it's a great idea!
Over on that board we do have a garden variety of side issues (depression, PTSD, anxiety, addictions, suicidal tendencies, sleep disorders etc.) that all revolve around grieiving for our babies. Just like the other communities, we too have had our share of frightening days trying to help a member in need.
It's to the point now on our community to where you can toss out a hug or a PM saying so in so hasn't been on here in a few days, what's up...and someone will very likely have the answer. Sometimes there will be a status post on what's going on put somewhere over on the board or within the groups. It is like we are our own little family.
I can't say I was readily willing to give my info at first and I would never just give it out to anyone. It does take time to build that trust. I started out with baby steps, like first it was my private email and it went from there.
I think your idea of haviing the CL have some kind of informal list is an excellent idea for some of these communities as long as the members feel some degree of trust because without trust, it will not work.
Oh yes, and if anything ever happened to DS, most of us are on facebook too ;0) just in case!
this would work like this. The CL would have the user names of volunteers within the community who had specialist knowledge AND we willing to talk via messages etc within DS. The CL would also know that a certain volunteer is feeling bad, or doesn't come in on the weekends and so would not give that name to the inquirer.
To give an example, someone comes in and says "I'm bipolar and I'm trying to get pregnant". The CL sends that person a message saying X, Y, Z can help, message them? And there the CL involvement would stop.
We already do something similar to this over in my group. We seem to have different people who are "with it" on certain aspects of issues that face our community. I do think it is a wonderful idea for other groups too!