Bipolar Disorder & Depression Support Groups - Orlando, FL

Welcome to Orlando Bipolar Support. This support group is for those diagnosed with either Bipolar Disorder or Depression. Support people are welcome also.

We are a group of people who work very hard to support others who have these illnesses. Most of group members have bipolar disorder. However, people with depression are welcome to join us also. Whether it be bipolar disorder or depression, we can often feel "lost in the woods" with nowhere to turn. There is a place to turn and people to turn to. Right here... Orlando Bipolar Support.

Given the particular nature of the group, please realize this IT IS A THERAPEUTIC GROUP AND NOT A DATING SITE. However, it is a great place to develop your own social circle and make friends.

Orlando Bipolar Support has been conducting meetings and providing other services since March 13, 2006. Some of us were members of another group before this one. I was both a member and facilitator in the previous group for four years. So, I have 7 1/2 years experience with bipolar peer-to-peer groups.

About six to eight members started meeting in a library conference room. We did the exact same thing at the library in Seminole County. My attitude was build it and they will come. They sure did!

We offer more meetings in Seminole & Orange Counties than any other group of its kind - 9 - 12 monthy meetings. Our calendar of meetings is available to all members. The calendar indicates when and where the meetings are taking place.

We are working so hard to change the misconception of the average person whose only knowledge of the illness is the media sensationalism when those who lack treatment are portrayed as criminals. I'm taking a good guess in saying it is only a matter of time, probably days, before we hear the word "bipolar" associated with Orlando's mass shooting, just yesterday, Nov. 6, 2009. According to many studies, more people with mental illness are the victims of violence, not the perpetrators. Please read the following links. Also note that these studies are not only US but Canada and England as well.

http://psychcentral.com/archives/violence.htm

http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-108

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/campaigns/changingminds/whatisst...

PLEASE READ OUR "ABOUT" PAGE (link on left) BEFORE DECIDING TO JOIN THE GROUP. WE HAVE HAD SOME NEW MEMBERS RECENTLY WHO DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE GROUP. It's easier to answer the questions before they're asked.

Thank you for your interest in our group. Your request to join will be attended to as soon as possible.

Elisabeth Prescott
Group Organizer