A Peer Support Group for Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders

The Search

    (905) 344-7778
or (905) 372-2969

You are invited to join our support group meetings which are
held every Monday of each month except holidays..
Refreshments are served at the meetings.

All are welcome!

St. Michael's Parish Centre
379 Division Street (corner of University Avenue)
Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Call (905) 344-7778 or (905) 372-2969 for more information

What members are saying about our group:

"I feel like I can walk in any state of mind and not have to hide. If I feel I am falling apart - people accept me as I am."

"I come here because there are things about my illness I can't go to my family with but I can come here and people understand. I am accepted here. I can't talk about depression at home all the time. You need to give your family a break."

"The group helps me reach out to other people and to the community about our meetings. I don't come here as a "patient" or as a "client". I come here as a person - as me."

"My family is very understanding but sometimes you need to talk to people who have experienced it. This is like a family away from home."

"I enjoy coming because I meet friends. I find this group really helps me get support for my illness. I like coming back because people accept me as I am, even on days when I am flying high or in a funk, dragging my butt around."

What we are learning:

"We have learned to set realistic goals. We can only achieve what we are willing to do for ourselves. We need to balance our dreams and our limitations as a group - help each other - build a support line."

THE SEARCH MEMBERS' AGREEMENT
The group agrees that we will practice:

Self-Awareness.  Asking for what we need in the group, in our families and in the every day world. We may need to learn what we need and how to voice it. If someone has a preference like not wanting to talk on the phone or on the street, they need to say this to the group. Remember that our phone list is private and is used only for member support and friendship.

Listening. We are not attending group simply to get our own needs met, but also to support each other.  Listening and giving time to others are skills we all can practice.

Courage. Only when we take the risk to be open to others can we get the support we need. A self-help group is real and alive when we dare to share our doubts and fears. We never know when something we share will open the door for someone else.

Confidentiality. What is heard in the room does not go outside the group. Concern for individual safety may require more active support, and possible outside contact. We attempt to distinguish between gossip and support.

Awareness of differences. Our own medications and spiritual beliefs are unique to us and will not necessarily help someone else in the same way. Beware hearing about a "miracle cure" based on  someone else's experiences.

Welcoming newcomers. We will introduce ourselves, share our histories, and describe how things work to help newcomers feel more at ease. People of any race, religion, ability, or sexual orientation are welcome here.

Limiting Swearing. We know that swearing can be offensive to some people. We try to distinguish between freedom of expression and consideration for others.

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