TIDES OF WINSTON-SALEM

TIDES is a self-help, peer group for individuals that offer support and education for adults who have been diagnosed with depression, bi-polar or other mood disorders. The purpose of the group is to share experiences, knowledge, strengths, and hopes.  The format of the group is informal, with one or two members serving as leader-facilitator.  One meeting a month is devoted to education with programs and speakers on topics of interest to the group.  The other meeting offers members the opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, strengths and hopes.  

 

Meeting Times

The group meets the first and third Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at The Mental Health Association, 1509 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston Salem, NC 27103.

 

GOALS of TIDES

  To listen and share each of our own history in order to provide mutual support.
  To affirm each other's feelings and needs.
  To create an atmosphere which nurtures self-esteem.
  To gain insight about affective disorders and coping skills.
  To work towards overcoming the fear and stigma associated with affective disorders.
  To support legislation and promote further research that benefits children and adults with affective disorders.
  To promote family and community understanding of affective disorders.
  To educate the public on the biochemical nature of affective disorders: that they are, in fact, medical illnesses which usually can be successfully treated with the proper medication and therapy.
  To help newly diagnosed people realize that an affective disorder is an illness.  There is always hope for management, remission and a cure.
 

GUIDELINES

1.    Though some wonderful friends and acquaintances may be made within the group, the main function of the group is not social, but to provide support while learning to accept and live with a mood disorder. 

2.    This group is NOT a therapy group but rather a supplement to professional help.  Group members with mood disorders are receiving medical treatment and are 18 years old or older. 

3.    Group members are encouraged to notify their therapist or physician of their participation in this group in order to form a stronger network.

4.    Members have the option to participate in any discussion.  Be willing to give other members honest and open feedback when appropriate.  We need each other to grow.

5.    We listen, explore options and express our feeling, for support comes through people who have gone through it themselves.  We do not prescribe, diagnose, judge or give advise...we share out of our own experiences. 

6.    We are a group of people with a common bond (mood disorder), sharing our troubles, understanding, strength, wisdom and hope.

7.    It is important that we actively listen when someone is talking and avoid having side conservations.

8.    Anonymity of members will be respected and all comments will be treated as confidential.

9.    This group will not advocate or support any use of illegal substances.

10.    It is important to remember that everyone in the group is equal and deserve equal time to speak.  If you think you need extra time for a special need, you may ask a co-facilitator to talk with you outside the meeting.  If the facilitator feels you need extra time, he/she may ask you to go with a co-facilitator outside the meeting.

11.    TIDES is not affiliated with any religious or political groups and people from all walks of life are welcome.  

 

For more information about TIDES, please contact The Mental Health Association at (336) 768-3880.