Review from Yelp from Rob M.
“DBSA is a national organization sponsoring peer-led support groups for people living with depression and bi-polar disorder. This review is for the group that meets Thursday nights between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Cong. B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park. I’ve been attending for over a year now and it’s been a great support resource. Personally I haven’t faced a lot of issues with accepting my diagnosis, or other people accepting it, but many folks have experienced these issues and, if you’ve been in denial or just unclear about what is going on with you, a diagnosis can be pretty scary! The folks here are warm, friendly and non-judgmental, and many have been dealing pretty successfully with their illness for years! Some people have been coming ever since this group started up a bit more than a year ago, others are brand new, but everyone is welcome and gets a chance to talk and share (if they wish to). You’ll feel at home with us in no time.
DBSA does take the view that these illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and that, for most of us, lifetime medication will probably be necessary, just as if we were diabetic or have thyroid problems! A few particpants don’t take meds and the group isn’t judgmental about that, but we know from personal experiences that not taking meds or not being compliant with them is usually a recipe for disaster, sooner or later. But nobody is “pushed” to go on meds if they don’t want to, although almost all of us can testify to the difference the meds have made in our lives. Of course the group doesn’t negate the need for talk therapy, but it’s an excellent adjunct and it’s really good to be with a group of nice people who actually “get” what you’ve been going through! (BTW, most of us have these diseases chronically. A few are dealing with situational depression, like after a death or divorce or loss of a job, and those folks may well be able to discontinue medication once their situations stabilize and they emerge from their depression. But for most of us this is an illness we’ll have to deal with for the rest of our lives. Of course, symptoms vary and can change as we age, so meds periodically get adjusted or changed to be sure they’re still working.)
We aren’t medical professionals and we’re not a substitute for professional care. But many of us have a lot of experience that we can share with people who are newly diagnosed and perhaps help save them some of the heartaches this illness can bring. Some of us have gone through some very heavy experiences, but have managed to emerge on the other side surprisingly intact! The meetings are casual, with 10 – 20 people depending on the night. We almost always have coffee and some kind of refreshments. We ask for a $3 donation each night to cover the refreshments, the nominal rent the Congregation charges us, and dues to the national DBSA organization. If you can’t afford that some nights, there’s no pressure to donate. Many of us have (or had) employment problems because of the disabling effects of our diseases and we all know what that’s like! So please don’t let that inhibit you from coming. The group is also open to people of all religious backgrounds and sexual orientations. If this turns out not to be the group for you we have quite a few resources we can refer you to so you don’t have to feel like you wasted an evening. We’ve also collectively been on just about every medication there is and seen many physicians and therapists, so if you have questions about meds or professionals you can get a lot of information from us.
The group varies in ages. Some folks are in their 20s or 30s, others in their 50s and 60s (the aging baby boomers). Most nights after the meeting we go to a nearby bar or restaurant for less formal chatting and making new friendships! Except for some national and Jewish holidays, the group meets every Thursday. Call or checki the website to save a trip if you’re coming from far away. There ARE some other DBSA support groups in the metro, which you can locate on the national website, but I can’t speak to them because I’ve been so pleased with this one that I haven’t checked out any of the others! And even if your problem isn’t primarily depression or bi-polar, you’re still welcome. A few of our members have other issues, like anxiety, OCD or borderline personality disorder. We also welcome “sane” people who are living with family members or loved ones with these illnesses. For some diagnoses there may not be any local or nearby group, so you can check us out. Of course, if you are currently experiencing heavy duty symptoms, are suicidal or don’t feel fully in touch with reality this is NOT the group for you. We aren’t a crisis center — if you’re experiencing those kinds of things PLEASE call your providers, the local mental health center or 911 or go to the E.R.! But once you’re stable come see us! We can help support you in maintaining that stability!”