In the Mental Health arena, and especially as one who is an “end user”, having people to go to (connections) when you’re not with mental health professionals, support groups or engaged in activities with others (when you’re by yourself) is a critical part of your self-care…in other words what do you do for the other 23 hours of the day?

Brene’ Brown, a renowned writer and research professor, in her book The Gifts Of Imperfection, defines connection in a way that really resonates for me, “…we are wired for connection. It’s in our biology. From the time we are born, we need connection to thrive emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually.”

For those of us with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, other Mood Disorders or anywhere on The Spectrum, having a connection who is/was in the same place is a vital link for us. Oftentimes our Mental challenges, that we’ve sometimes had for a number of years (either diagnosed or undiagnosed/medicated or not), gets in the way of us making these connections.

And quite honestly, it’s a pretty scary thought for us to find and seek out a group (typically peer-led) because we know how difficult it is to assemble our mental health professional team (psychiatrist, therapist, social worker,..) in the first place and especially if we’re looking to add/change some members of this team.

Be Connected provides peer-led support groups and is an opportunity for those not only with the challenges but for their support team (family &/or friends) to attend.