Peer Support and Support Groups
What is Peer Support?
A peer is someone who has shared very similar life experiences. For those with psychiatric disabilities it may be anything from the quality of interactions with medical care providers, number and types of medications we take, relationships with family, friends or co-workers who do not have a 'diagnosis'- to job and income loss, suicide attempts, or just the daily anxieties and confusion that we experience while trying to control and make sense of the roller coaster ride of our symptoms.
Peer support is connecting with one another socially in both formal and informal settings to talk about recovery and the ups and downs of daily, everyday life with others who 'get it' and are not condescending or judgmental, but offer a listening ear and a friendly voice. Telling others that you have a mood disorder often invites rejection by others in the community. Peer support is an effective antidote to this and can open the door to finding the courage and strategies to re-connect to family and friends, employers and co-workers, members of our faith community and people we want to share recreational activities with.
Remember, support groups are not a substitute for professional care. DBSA chapters and support groups do not endorse or recommend the use of any specific treatment or medication. For advice about specific treatment or medications, individuals should consult their physicians and/or mental health professionals.
DBSA Chapters and Support Groups
in Colorado
This is a list of groups that we have current information about. We do our best to keep this contact information current. Chapter leaders and facilitators are happy to give you info about their group(s), including meeting times, days and locations. Leave a message whenever possible and give them the best way to reach you and what day and time to establish contact. If you need to make multiple contact attempts, since most of us are volunteers, please be patient and respectful of their personal time.. Info on state and local chapters can also be found at www.dbsalliance.org
DBSA Aurora
Gary Billington
720-329-8777
DBSA Boulder
720-443-2849
DBSA Colorado Springs
719-477-1515
(this chapter has a a resource center and free lending library)
DBSA Highlands Ranch (Parents Group)
Contact 1 : Sallie Suby-Long
303-791-0659 ext 32
Contact 2: Martha Boon
303-694-3604
DBSA Longs Peak (Longmont)
Laurie Woodman
303-833-4036
DBSA Metro Denver
Beth Turner
720-229-4091
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are interested in starting a DBSA support group in your community, please let us know. Training, consultation and start-up materials are free, and we can usually travel to where you live! Pueblo area residents, we especially want to hear from you!
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