At the suggestion of my current therapist, I decided to try group therapy.

His suggestion was based that while I saw him once a month for check-ins, a regular meeting with my peers could be helpful if I was not in crisis. His reasoning is by connecting with others, I would have the community of others like me. While I am very close to someone who is also bipolar, I don’t know anyone else like me.

The selection of online group therapy meetings has grown considerably. Not only were there several meetings a day at various times, but I have found specialty groups such as bipolar only or for queer people. This gave reassurance I could be with my peers who knew exactly what I was going through.

And I need that.

Below is a list of pros and cons of group therapy.

PRO: You are part of a community

What was a relief upon my first group therapy is that I was among peers. They got it. They knew what it was like to be bipolar; they knew what it was like to have the wide range of symptoms that while are different amongst us, there was enough similarity to have empathy and sympathy for each other.

CON: It can be overwhelming

In a few meetings I’ve attended, there can be a large group of people (30 or more). Some support groups will break the group down into smaller groups but not always. With much clamoring to be heard, you can feel left out or not supported.

PRO: It’s a safe space

This is the big one and ties with being part of a like community. Having a support system that is friends and family is beyond amazing, but being around those like you is even better.

CON: It can be triggering

In a recent meeting I attended, the group discussed suicide ideation based on a person’s request for extra support on this topic. As someone who works very hard to keep their own suicide ideation at bay, having an open discussion about it was triggering for me. I wanted to give that person support, but I found it difficult to do so. In that meeting, I listened and kept silent.

PRO: You can give and receive support

In one of the online therapy groups I’m in, the number one response when asked why we’re here is to give and receive support. Just like creating a safe space and being part of a community, having those who have a lived experience is a great support system.

CON: It’s not individual therapy so your share time can be limited

Topics vary depending on group agreement or pre-assigned topic. While there is not a necessary cut off time for your share, the moderators do make it clear to give everyone a chance.

PRO: You can share your lived experience

My diagnosis is not like your diagnosis or another person’s diagnosis but, and this is a big but, talking to someone who knows what you’re going through is incredibly important. It ties into being part of a community and as a safe space.

CON: Some may not be run by medical professionals

I attend two meetings by two different organizations. Each group is run by a peer specialist. A peer specialist is certified to give peer support in their field. Certification can come from the organization running the meetings or by the state. The idea behind peer support is it will be easier for people to share if they are with someone with lived experience who is also professionally trained in support. The moderators make this clear they are not medical professionals at the beginning of the meeting and cannot give you individual help or diagnose you.

PRO: You can help erase stigma by being open with your diagnosis

Due to stereotyping of those with mental illness, and especially those with bipolar, being open about your diagnosis is tricky. You never know how someone is going to react. But by attending the meetings, and being open about your diagnosis, you can help remove the stigma.

CON: Verbal check-in may be required

A check-in is where you give your name (or alias), how you feel, and if you wish to share your diagnosis. One organization requires this and if you do not check-in, you can get booted from the meeting. The other organization I attend does not require a check-in and

you can also remain off camera and anonymous. In some meetings, I’m very chatty so I don’t mind the check-in but in others, I like to remain anonymous and listen. A check-in can be difficult for someone who is not necessarily ready to talk about their diagnosis and just wants to get a feel for how the group runs.

PRO: You can see the same people at the meetings so there is a sense of familiarity with your peers

I found it comforting to see the same people in my groups because having a routine and stability is so important when you’re bipolar. Being kind to yourself and giving yourself grace is a massive thing to help manage your diagnosis.

CON: You can’t privately connect with your peers

In in-person group therapy, I’ve connected with my peers and we will text each other for support or a check-in or meet for coffee. The two organizations online group therapy does not allow for you to reach out directly to a peer or put your email address or phone number in the name field of the video app. I can understand this is to protect the privacy of everyone, but it would be nice to talk to someone one-on-one from the group.

In the end, it’s ultimately up to you to decide to attend a group therapy but I hope listing the pros, and cons, will give you the knowledge you need!