Depression

DBSA Online Support Group

Hosted By

Tim L.

Friday, Aug 16, 2024 | 03:00pm - 04:00pm CDT

Free

3 seats remaining

Zoom

About this meeting

The primary participants in this group are people diagnosed with a mood disorder and those who believe they may have a mood disorder.

Hosts

Host

Tim L.
Peer Supporter

Certified Peer Supporter

View Profile
Co-host

Nancy J.
Peer Supporter

Certified Peer Supporter

View Profile
2nd Co-host

Liliana P.
Peer Supporter

State Certified Peer Supporter

View Profile

About the host

I am an immigrant to the United States. I have worked as a fire fighter/first responder, and a US ARMY Infantryman, until a severe injury from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq. I've struggled with intravenous opiate addiction that led to lengthy jail sentence and I have attempted suicide several times. Once I decided to try and get well, I utilized the GI Bill to earn a Bachelors degree in Psychology emphasizing in substance abuse counseling, then became a certified peer specialist. I have worked for veteran non-profits, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, SMART recovery facilitation and several other wellness centers providing support to those who have struggled with similar afflictions. I've been doing peer support of some kind for 5 years and I know how much it helped me. I know what it is like to wake up every day feeling nothing but hopelessness and despair. Today I live in line with my values, and I am proud of the person I have become. It is an honor and a pleasure to support those who currently do not have hope in their lives.

Motivation for help

I believe my life was saved by a peer that worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and since that time I have wanted to be that person for someone else. I believe that sharing similar life experiences helps relate individuals on a level that cannot be achieved in a clinical setting. Working in recovery and helping others gives me sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Being a peer keeps me living a life of wellness.

Recent reviews

Good energy, thoughtful, deep concern.. . superb facilitator. Excellent care of the participants, r.e. possibly triggering topics etc. An important part of someone participating in such a group -- and creates trust. That's a biggie - trust. I like hearing how his personal experiences relate to the content of the book. Using such a book to prompt discussion and bring back thoughts and feelings -- exercises my brain to consider my existence, my being, my past... what comes from suffering -- how to bear it with grace while not plateauing, learning to be compassionate about bad stuff I've done and regrets and self-hatred ... reading the book with others and listening to their comments and experiences lets air into the stuffy room of my mind. Hearing the responses and stories of others is fascinating and a wonderful connection. I am so glad that Tim has had the brilliant idea to have such a group. using books (and potentially other media) to prompt us/me to think of life and our own living in new lights -- very meaningful.

Sep 13, 2024

Tim consistently leads a good meeting

Sep 13, 2024

Tim is a wonderful group leader. He really listens and remembers people and makes me feel very welcome and appreciated. He's wonderful.

Sep 12, 2024

Madonna is a great and kind host, happy to be in the group

Sep 11, 2024

Tim is one of the best facilitators on Hey Peers/DBSA Online. I love his groups.

Sep 04, 2024

Kayla did a good job of moving the discussion along. She was supportive and shared personal experiences. Did a good job of getting to discuss people’s topics.

Aug 28, 2024

I had kayla today and she is so kind and helpful she really listens to us and gives us helpful tips !

Aug 27, 2024

Easy to talk to

Aug 27, 2024

Tim is the best facilitator. He really listens and is warm and supportive and shows up and he's very on point and real and just a great person. Gifted facilitator.

Aug 21, 2024

Other Meetings in This Series

DBSA Online Support Group

Friday, September 20

DBSA Online Support Group

Friday, September 27

Registration Closed

Attendees (47)

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading peer-focused national organization focused on depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA's peer-based, wellness-oriented, and empowering services and resources are available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them. This includes online and local support groups, audio and video casts, and printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.

DBSA online support groups provide people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another. DBSA support groups are peer-led, meaning they are facilitated by someone living with a mood disorder who has been trained and certified to guide others on their journey.

DBSA online support group meetings are peer-based self-help groups. In the DBSA context, a peer is a person with a mood disorder. Another distinction of peer is that we are not professionals - physicians and other mental health providers. We are here to assist, encourage, and enable each other to help ourselves.

Please note that the schedule for DBSA support group meetings on HeyPeers has been updated for 2024. To see all available meetings through DBSA, or to find alternatives if you are waitlisted for a group, visit https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/.

Links to DBSA Social Media:

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn

DBSA Online Support Group

Tim L.

Nancy J.

Liliana P.