Last week I started a discussion thread at Group Beyond Blue (in Beliefnet's Community) about possibly starting a buddy system within Beyond Blue so we have even more support than is offered through discussion threads, blog comments, and participation in the Self-Esteem Forum. This is what I wrote:
Hi guys,I was talking to an editor lately [actually, it was Priscilla Warner, of the Faith Club, who thought of this] about different ways we (depressives) might be able to support each other. The self-esteem forum is great, but it's once a month, and it's just a letter. For all of you who have attended 12-step support groups, you know all about the sponsorship model, where an older person with more recovery sponsors a younger person. In some of the christian camps that i used to do, we were assigned prayer partners. And then, there is, of course, the buddy system used by the Girl Scouts, etc.... you pair off with someone for support, friendship, etc. Is that an idea worth exploring on Beyond Blue?
I've gotten some great feedback on the thread. We could do more of a sponsorship model, where the folks who have more "recovery" could assist those just diagnosed, or pick partners based on our diagnoses, or we could form small groups.
What do you think?
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I'll bet he doesn't have to knock long on your heart-door :-)
Blessings and Love and hugz,
Cully
Thanks for responding, Cully.
But trust me, I ran into obstreperous people all the time when I did DBSA moderating, too. So I simply plowed ahead -- trying to validate the angry folks' feelings (but knowing they wouldn't come back), while attempting to give support and comfort to the remaining attendees who genuinely wanted it (via gently steering the conversation).
I think Buddy System sounds good. I'm schizoaffective (bipolar with psychotic features). What I struggle most with are depression and anxiety, but if there is anybody out there with voices or delusions it would be great.
Re Marquos; How would I know if I WAS deluded? I'm not even sure I'm bi-polar. Possibly mildly OCD and anxiety depressive.(and a partridge in a pear tree). I do know I am symptomatic of a lot of things, but mostly I'm guessing.
I think that what ever helps one, and it doesn't hurt to explore in all ways possible. I myself enjoy the Self Esteem Letter Program, it's double therapy for me. I learn the good things about me that I never seen just by them reading about me, and I also am learning to see the good in others, which I've never real notice. While finding out I'm not alone in this World I hide from.
Thank You Therese. and Larry.
I think that exploring helps the knowledge, and I have come alot futher then visiting a theripist that as no understanding, because they have never experinced what I have in my life, and do to BB and B/N I am learning to understand more about me and others. I am opening up more from my locked down world of fears, hates, mistrusts, that are imbedded deep within me.
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