Depression Support Groups and What You Can Expect
Depression support groups are a regular part of the treatment for depression.
These groups are usually held at your counseling center and get together once a week to discuss how their depression affects their daily life and any side effects of medications.
The sessions are run by licensed counselors and are closely monitored for any changes in the level of depression for the participants.
They usually last for a period of several months, although ongoing group therapy for years is not uncommon.
Most people attend depression support groups for anywhere from four weeks to twelve weeks, depending on their depression disorder and other treatment.
To be referred for a depression support group, you must make an initial intake and depression screening appointment with your primary caregiver, who will then either administer the depression tests himself or refer you to another agency, usually the agency that has the groups.
This way the intake assessor can determine which group you are most appropriate for or determine whether or not you need individual counseling first.
Typically you will start out with at least three private sessions before moving on to a depression support group.
At the first meeting you will probably give your name and tell the group a little about yourself, and then be allowed to sit and listen.
For the first or second meeting, people typically are asked to take the time to get comfortable within the group and begin to gain trust.
It is tremendously hard to talk about your depression with total strangers, and at first the groups may seem a little intimidating.
If you stick with it and begin to open up, you will find that you have met like minded people who suffer from the same feelings of anxiety, fear, and mistrust that you do.
Your depression support group could work into lifelong friends and help you through some of the hardest times of your life.
These groups are usually held at your counseling center and get together once a week to discuss how their depression affects their daily life and any side effects of medications.
The sessions are run by licensed counselors and are closely monitored for any changes in the level of depression for the participants.
They usually last for a period of several months, although ongoing group therapy for years is not uncommon.
Most people attend depression support groups for anywhere from four weeks to twelve weeks, depending on their depression disorder and other treatment.
To be referred for a depression support group, you must make an initial intake and depression screening appointment with your primary caregiver, who will then either administer the depression tests himself or refer you to another agency, usually the agency that has the groups.
This way the intake assessor can determine which group you are most appropriate for or determine whether or not you need individual counseling first.
Typically you will start out with at least three private sessions before moving on to a depression support group.
At the first meeting you will probably give your name and tell the group a little about yourself, and then be allowed to sit and listen.
For the first or second meeting, people typically are asked to take the time to get comfortable within the group and begin to gain trust.
It is tremendously hard to talk about your depression with total strangers, and at first the groups may seem a little intimidating.
If you stick with it and begin to open up, you will find that you have met like minded people who suffer from the same feelings of anxiety, fear, and mistrust that you do.
Your depression support group could work into lifelong friends and help you through some of the hardest times of your life.
