Questions To Ask Yourself:
Is A Support Group Right For Me?
- A support group The best way to know if you are ready for a support group is if you can discuss topics without being "set off" or "triggered".
- Ask yourself, "Can I go 2 hours without harming or acting out in some way?" If you answer yes, then you are ready for a group.
What Group Is Right For Me?
- Currently we offer 3 different support groups (see above) and you would need to be able to "sit through" a 2 hour meeting (there is a 10 minute break halfway through.
What If I Don't Want to Talk?
- You are not required to share if you prefer not to.
Guidelines:
- If you have visible fresh cuts or scratches, please cover them for the duration of the meeting.
- What is said during any of the group, stays in the group; this is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected by all.
- Everyone is given an opportunity to talk and no one person should monopolize group time.
- It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the discussion groups a safe place to share. We treat one another with respect and kindness and show compassion.
- Use “I” language. That means speak from your own experience. Do not give advice unless asked to do so.
- It’s okay not to share. You do not have to have a topic.
- Set your cell phone ringer to vibrate or turn it off entirely. There is no phone use during meetings; if you need to use your phone for any reason, please leave the room to do so.
- If you need to leave the meeting early or at any time, feel free to do so, but please leave quietly.
- We do allow drinks and snacks; please have with you prior to meeting starting as we don't allow "in and out" to get drinks or snacks.
- These support groups are offered for support and not at all a mental health group or substitution for any treatment or therapy.
- While we highly encourage socializing, we don’t recommend dating other members of the group.
- If you are experiencing a crisis or mental health emergency, please contact your doctor, or the crisis line (800) 273-TALK, or 911 or go to your preferred hospital or ER.
Self-Harm In-Person Support Group
Beyond Bandages is a self-injury support group for adult men and women who cause self-inflicted pain and/or injuries to themselves (as a form of coping), who are seeking support or have overcome and looking for support, in a group environment.
- 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 7:00pm-9:00pm
- 2nd & 4th Thursdays @ 7:00pm-8:00pm
Beyond Bandages will run through November 5, 2020. We will be bringing a brand new self-harm support group in its pace in 2021...new name and new facilitators!
Self-Harm Virtual Group
Throw Out is a "check-in" style virtual meeting for adult men and women who are part of the Beyond Bandages group. We talk and throw things out that are bad/bothering us and reuse what’s good!
- Every Monday @ 7:30pm-8:15pm
BFRB Support
BFRB Support is a support group for those who live with any type of skin picking/body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). This is a very supportive group with other men and women that are struggling with skin picking, hair pulling and other body-focused behaviors.
Suicide Loss Support
Healing Hearts is an online support group where people can discuss the loss of a loved one who died by suicide. The group is private.