Meetings:
We start each meeting with a ‘check-in,’ where each person at the meeting will introduce themselves and talk a little about their week. You may identify to the group as having a mood disorder when and if you feel comfortable doing so. Whether you have received a formal diagnosis or not, you are welcome at our meetings. Our aim is to have as much fun as we can while still keeping our conversations focused on interpersonal support. The conversations we have can often veer wildly into pop culture, commiseration over student life, and outright silliness, but it’s through this candid and relaxed atmosphere that really valuable personal stories come out. We are very flexible as a group: if someone is having a bad week, we can concentrate on supporting them by listening and offering encouragement; if everyone’s doing well, we may end up talking about the mysteries of the ancient Maya all night. Discussion and Interpersonal Support:
Issues frequently discussed include: academic life as students living with mood disorders, interpersonal supports and relationships, self-harming behaviour, individual ‘triggers,' LGBT issues, coping strategies, stigma towards mental illness on campus and in the community, the gifts and burdens of intense emotional experiences, managing suicidal thoughts, relaxation and healthy lifestyle choices, and learning self-acceptance. Talking to others who know what you're going through can be a great lift when you're having a particularly bad week, and helping others from a place of experience can be really rewarding. Our meetings are also a great opportunity to meet people on campus if you're new to the U of S or if you'd just like to connect with more people on a routine basis.
