Stand Up To Stigma is excited to announce our partnership with The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA Albuquerque). This collaboration is to bring all the resources and benefits of peer support to our peer presenters trained in our Stand Up To Stigma education programs. Peer support is an essential component for success on a peer’s recovery journey, and DBSA Albuquerque peer support groups are strongly endorsed for Stand Up To Stigma peer presenters and mental health peers in our communities.
DBSA Albuquerque support groups adhere to Eight Guiding Principles:
- Share the air – Everyone who wishes to speak should have the opportunity to do.
- One person speaks at a time – Each person should be allowed to speak free from interruption and side conversations.
- What is said here stays here – This is the essential principle of confidentiality and MUST be respected by all.
- Differences of opinion are o.k. – We are all entitled to our own point of view.
- We are all equal – Accept cultural, linguistic, social and racial differences and promote their acceptance.
- Use “I” language – Because we do not participate in support groups as credentialed professionals, we do not INSTRUCT or ADVISE. We however do share from our own personal experiences. We are unique individuals and only we know what is best for our own health (along with our doctor’s recommendations). Example: “In my experience, I have found . . .”
- It’s o.k. not to share – People do not have to share if they do not wish to.
- It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the discussion groups a safe place to share – We respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness, and show compassion.
DBSA Albuquerque is the longest running DBSA support group in New Mexico and is considered as the most highly regarded mental health peer support organization in New Mexico.
We are looking forward to our continued close collaboration with DBSA Albuquerque and all the benefits this partnership brings to peers and our communities.
DBSA Albuquerque and Stand Up To Stigma strongly believe that . . .