Online Mood Disorders Support Group

The purpose of our support groups is to provide an opportunity for people living with mood disorders to connect with other diagnosed people with similar experiences. Group members gain strength and support from each other, and learn new ways of coping through sharing feelings, knowledge, information and ideas.

Register
Our online groups are available to you from anywhere and everywhere, wherever you are in the world.

Join the Online Mood Disorders Support Group

Schedule

Every first Thursday of the month

6:30pm - 8:00pm (Melbourne Time)

Online session via Zoom

How to attend a online session?


Online sessions are conducted on Zoom.


Meeting Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81885499975?pwd=Mcba8fPRmCNa6T4buDN3CFKuKCjgYW.1 

 


Meeting ID: 818 8549 9975

Passcode: 471544

 

Trouble accessing Zoom? Click here


Troubleshooting tips for Online Meetings:


  • If you are having trouble connecting you could try clearing your browser cache.
  • There are instructions for this for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari.
  • You could also try restarting the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device.
  • Zoom do offer some technical support with a knowledge base and customer support.


Unfortunately the MHFA can do very little to assist with connection issues as Zoom is a 3rd party application and out of our control.

About Mood Disorders

Mood disorders can be defined as a condition in which a person’s mood is disturbed to the point where it becomes difficult to function, participate in daily activities, and meet responsibilities. 


There is a wide range of symptoms, and these can vary depending on the type of mood disorder and age of the person. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiousness and/or emptiness.  

• Feeling hopeless or helpless

• Decreased energy.

• Irritability, hostility, or aggression

• Relationship problems

• Changes in appetite and/or weight

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Low self-esteem, feeling inadequate or worthless

• Excessive guilt

• Suicidal ideation

These feelings are more extreme and prolonged than what a person may normally feel on occasion. Symptoms can be so severe that it interferes with one’s interest in family, friends, community and/or work.


There is no single cause for mood disorders and there may be several factors that contribute to this condition. Current research suggests some main contributors include:

• Imbalance of brain chemicals which can be genetic, related to physical illness or a result of taking certain medications.

• Stressful life events: such as death, divorce, or trauma

• Brain structure and function in cases of bipolar disorder


Support group


Sufferers as well as carers are welcome to share their experiences with other members of the group. Discussing your experiences with others can help you learn more about the management of the disorder and how to better deal with it. Our aim is to help improve the quality of life and general well-being of the participants. The caring and sharing of the group offers relief from isolation and loneliness.




Psychotherapy


Mood disorders should be properly examined by a mental health professional.


Treatments for mood disorders includes psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy as well as medications to help regulate the chemical imbalances in your brain.


A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the best course of action to make you feel better.