Peer-led, self-help support groups are the cornerstone of the Mood Disorders Association of BC’s focus to help people living with mood disorders or other mental illness.

 

When the Mood Disorders Association of BC began in 1983 it started with a small group of people in a basement sharing their experiences. The focus on helping oneself through reaching out to others is the philosophical basis for all the work carried out by the MDA. Being able to share one’s challenges, failures and successes in a non-judgmental and open atmosphere, we believe, is part of a balanced treatment/support plan for mood disorders and other mental illnesses. The MDA is now an organization with over 65 support groups province-wide. These groups are facilitated by caring, compassionate people who started out as group members and who decided that volunteering to facilitate a group was, and is, critical to their recovery. The vast majority of our peer leaders have undergone the MDA Facilitator Training course and all are skilled in group dynamics and the self-help model.  “You get help, you give help, and, in the process you help yourself.” This is the magic of support groups for facilitators and participants.

 

The Mood Disorders Association offers groups in languages other than English, groups for youth, and for friends and families. Springing up from the original intent to simply provide peer support, the MDA now carries out many activities to help reduce the fear, prejudice and discrimination people with mood disorders can face. Our monthly Education Evenings, speaking at community events and our drop-in psychiatric clinic have all been built on the success of our support groups. Our organization is committed to improving the lives of those living with mood disorders or other mental illness in a variety of ways. We are also committed to growing within our communities and responding to the needs of our members and the public in general.  

 

Most people coming to a meeting for the first time report feeling a bit nervous and unsure about how support groups work and whether or not they will fit in. Most people also report that after a meeting they felt welcomed, safe and that they feel a bit less alone in managing the symptoms of a mood disorder or other mental illness. At the MDA, we believe in the concept of paying it forward. No matter where you are in your journey, support group participants benefit from your story just as you will benefit from telling it.

 

Our groups are free of charge, do not require any registration and for the most part, are drop-in. It is comforting for people to know that there is no commitment needed to join one of our support groups. One can come when they are able, walk in, sit down and feel at home…whether it’s your first time or your 100^th time!  What you learn and pay attention to is completely up to you, take what you need and leave the rest.

 

Some people express concern about what to expect during a group meeting. “Do I have to share if I don’t want to? Will I be put on the spot? Do I have to have to be on medication or even have a formal diagnosis?” The answer to all these questions is a resounding “No.” You can choose to share or not and while the MDA supports medication therapy as part of balanced living with a mood disorder, there is no requirement to be on medication or even to have a formal diagnosis. Many group participants come because they are noticing symptoms in their lives that are concerning to them or to their families. It is often through group discussion and sharing that people begin to see symptoms and patterns more clearly. Many will decide to seek a professional assessment through their medical provider realizing that recovery is available and possible! Group participants are encouraged to bring a friend if they feel nervous about attending a group alone.

 

The Mood Disorders Association of BC, wants to offer the greatest variety of groups to the widest audience as we meet the needs of a diverse British Columbia. We hope that you will attend a group and eventually want to start your own! Just as there is support and encouragement to attend our groups there is also support and training to facilitate one!

 

If you are interested in attending an MDA support group in your area, click on Groups Around the Province and view our regional groups. For our special interest groups, please click on Special Interest Groups. If you want to discuss starting an MDA support group in your area or need any further information, please contact our office by phone, 604.873.0103 or by email, training@mdabc.net.