Mental Illness, Eating Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Alzheimer's and Dementia

Depressive • Bi-Polar Support Alliance:
A Support Group for persons that have Bipolar Disorder or Depression and their friends and family. Two groups are meeting in Bay City. For questions, call (989)687-5116 or 895-2397.  The Opportunity Center also hosts a group – they can be reached at (989)895-9080.
 
Alliance for the Mentally Ill:
Provides information, help connecting to resources and support to friends and family of persons who have a mental illness. The group meets the 1st Monday of each month. Monthly meetings include a brief presentation on a topic or resource followed by support and problem solving. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required. Contact person is Larry Stahl at (989) 686-6709.

Families in Action:
A nine-week educational series for family and friends who are supporting a loved one with a mental illness.  Contact Karen Amon at (989) 895-9080 to find out when the next series will be offered. Topics include mental health conditions, signs and symptoms, treatment methods, medication, communication, stress management, substance abuse, community resources, recovery, suicide prevention, and handling difficult situations and problems. Cost is $10 per person for the series.

Schizophrenics Anonymous:
A self-help support group for persons with schizophrenia or related disorders. Provides acceptance, support and understanding, information and education, positive reinforcement, empowerment, and enhanced social skills and self-esteem. The group is free and meets weekly the Opportunity Center. Call (989) 895-9080 for the group schedule or for more information.

Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA):
A 12 Step self-help program for persons coping with dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse).  The program helps a person recover from both chemical dependency and emotional or psychiatric illness by focusing on relapse prevention and actively improving the quality of life. Through mutual support, the person learns to avoid the risks that lead back to alcohol and drug use as well as reducing the symptoms of emotional or psychiatric illness.
•Â Opportunity Center, 1301 Madison Ave. Bay City. Contact Chris or Karen at 895-9080 for further information.
•Â First Congregational Church in Bay City (corner of 6th and VanBuren Streets).
      Contact 892-2409 for more information.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group
Serves the tri-city area. Offers group support and understanding to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Meets twice per month at Saginaw Child and Family Services.  No charge to attend. Call Barb Smith at (989)781-5260 for more information.

Recovery Inc.
A support group for people experiencing depression, anxiety, fear, panic, and other nervous symptoms. Learn ways to manage and cope with troubling emotions, receive support, understanding, hope and reassurance and learn techniques for wellness. Group meets weekly. Call 781-2130 for more information. For more about the Recovery model go to www.recovery-inc.org.

Standish Friends Society:
A Drop-in Program for persons with mental illness that provides support, a listening ear, peer case management, advocacy, education, and resource materials.  For information, call Lisa or Dave at (989) 846-0781.

Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group:
Open to family and friends interested in learning how to care for a person with memory loss. Informal meetings encourage caregivers to discuss concerns, obtain information, support one another, problem solve, and find comfort in others with similar experiences. Training opportunities for caregivers are also available. For information, call Golden Horizons at (989)892-6644.

Tourette's Syndrome Support Group
A monthly group for persons with Tourette's Syndrome and their family members. No fee or registration required. Contact Don Norton at 894-4467 for more information.
 
Mood Changes After Birth: Coping with Difficult Emotions After Birth
A support group for women experiencing postpartum depression and other difficult emotions after birth. Trained nurses offer support, guidance, information and access to community resources. Spouses and/or other caregivers are welcome to attend. Meeting are held monthly in Bay City Parent For information, to speak to someone directly, and/or to get help immediately, call Bay Regional Medical Center at (989)894-0960 - someone will get back with you within 24 hours. 

DivorceCare:
Non-denominational support group that features biblical teachings to help those recovering from divorce and separation.  Features video seminars with 33 renowned experts on divorce and recovery topics.  DivorceCare meets Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at In His Presence Ministries. Child care is provided. For more information, please contact In His Presence Ministries at (989) 686-5704.

Jacob's Ladder:
Offers support and tools to help parents and families who have lost a child through their journey of loss and grieving. Jacob's Ladder also offers hope to those dealing with the loss of a child and a special place to heal. Jacobs's Ladder meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at In His Presence Church. For more information, please contact Debi Hoffard at (989) 239-8963 or Carolyn Killey at (989) 686-5704.

For information on other groups offered locally refer to the Bay City Times Town Crier which is published each Saturday.