The Value of Support Groups

The likely accompaniment of disorders of any kind is the individual’s susceptibility to the sense of being alone with suffering or impairment. Professional and family involvement attend to essential dimensions of care, but engagement with others facing the similar adversity may provide additional solace that mitigates isolation and enhances wellbeing.

The Child with Bipolar Illness and the Unique Value of Peer Support: John Tamerin, M.D., offers a wrenching account of his personal experience as the parent of a child with bipolar disorder. He describes his early engagement and then his leadership in promoting support groups for the disorder. Dr. Tamerin is a member of the Task Force responsible for maintaining the Psychiatrist Wellbeing and Support site. He circles back and recommends broader peer support for psychiatrists in need.