About Connection Support Group
NAMI’s Connection Support Group provides weekly peer support for anyone with a mental health diagnosis. It is facilitated by people managing their own mental illnesses, and structured to meet the diverse needs of those with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more. No registration is required; drop-ins are always welcome.
The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and community in a confidential, non-judgmental space. Participants have said the group has helped them:
• feel a sense of connection with others with lived experience;
• aim for better coping skills;
• find strength in sharing experiences;
• not judge anyone's pain;
• forgive and reject guilt;
• embrace humor as healthy;
• accept that not every problem can be solved;
• understand that mental health conditions are no one's fault and can create traumatic experiences.
To get a sense of what you might expect at a support group gathering, see the two documents below. The "Principles of Support" guide and ground our discussions; the "Emotional Stages of Recovery" document provides a useful reference for facilitators and attendees alike.
The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and community in a confidential, non-judgmental space. Participants have said the group has helped them:
• feel a sense of connection with others with lived experience;
• aim for better coping skills;
• find strength in sharing experiences;
• not judge anyone's pain;
• forgive and reject guilt;
• embrace humor as healthy;
• accept that not every problem can be solved;
• understand that mental health conditions are no one's fault and can create traumatic experiences.
To get a sense of what you might expect at a support group gathering, see the two documents below. The "Principles of Support" guide and ground our discussions; the "Emotional Stages of Recovery" document provides a useful reference for facilitators and attendees alike.
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Current in-person Connection groups
As of late May, our Tuesday night Connection group has returned to an in-person format:
7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, NAMI office (1615 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs)
**YOU MUST REGISTER AHEAD: Please call 719.473.8477 or email programs and volunteer manager Lynn Shull**
To ensure the safety of participants during this time of COVID-19, we will limit the group to just eight participants (plus two facilitators). To be one of the eight, you must register by noon on Tuesday, each week. We will maintain a wait list weekly for those outside of the first eight sign-ups, in case a registered participant gives up his/her slot.
At group, we will observe the following protocols:
• physical distancing of six feet or more;
• the wearing of masks inside the NAMI office;
• and sending people home if they are showing symptoms of illness.
In addition to the above, we are also increasing the frequency and intensity of our cleaning practices, and insisting on regular hand-washing and/or use of sanitizer. That said, if you would like to join the group but only feel comfortable doing so virtually, please call 719.473.8477 or email Lynn to discuss possible accommodations.
Also: If this will be your first time attending any NAMI support group, please fill out the form below. And welcome!
7-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, NAMI office (1615 S. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs)
**YOU MUST REGISTER AHEAD: Please call 719.473.8477 or email programs and volunteer manager Lynn Shull**
To ensure the safety of participants during this time of COVID-19, we will limit the group to just eight participants (plus two facilitators). To be one of the eight, you must register by noon on Tuesday, each week. We will maintain a wait list weekly for those outside of the first eight sign-ups, in case a registered participant gives up his/her slot.
At group, we will observe the following protocols:
• physical distancing of six feet or more;
• the wearing of masks inside the NAMI office;
• and sending people home if they are showing symptoms of illness.
In addition to the above, we are also increasing the frequency and intensity of our cleaning practices, and insisting on regular hand-washing and/or use of sanitizer. That said, if you would like to join the group but only feel comfortable doing so virtually, please call 719.473.8477 or email Lynn to discuss possible accommodations.
Also: If this will be your first time attending any NAMI support group, please fill out the form below. And welcome!