Mental Health Social Support Hour

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is an ongoing open space for those dealing with mental health issues themselves, those who have loved ones dealing with them, practitioners/advocates, those who want to learn more or impart their understanding about mental health in general or specific conditions, and everyone in between. Our meetings usually draw around 5-10 people per event on a regular basis and are always warm, inviting, informative, entertaining, and most of all, uplifting. Look for us in the indoor seating/dining area along Waugh Dr. Weather permitting, we might be outside in the seating area facing Waugh. If you need help finding us or if you have any questions about the group, please feel free to call or text the event organizer Marcel at (832) 468-1146.

We will begin with introductions/check-ins and then launch into our conversation topic for the week. Topics are typically mental health/wellness related and can be proposed by anyone in the group, but can and usually do run the gamut of subjects and ideas. We strive to maintain an open and casual forum in the conversation space so that the friends feel comfortable enough to fully express themselves and talk about their perspectives/experiences of daily living. This is a space where you can be as vulnerable as your emotions will allow, and I call upon everyone to help sustain this kind of environment for all involved.

Please note, this is not a formal support group and I am not a mental health professional, just a regular guy who wants to keep a space of unconditional support and dialogue open so that no one ever feels alone or out of place, especially those who may be new to the city and presently lack connection. There is no requirement here for any kind of commitment; you are free to come to any gathering you please as often you see fit. There will always be a seat for you here.

Marcel

GENERAL GROUP GUIDELINESIn order to help make these gatherings a positive, supportive and edifying experience for all of us, I have made a list of guidelines that everyone is obligated to adhere to as a condition of participating in our in person meetups. This list is not exhaustive. Let me know if you have any questions/suggestions.

Please Observe Proper RSVP Etiquette: We kindly ask that you RSVP only if you actually plan to be in attendance. If your plans happen to change after you have indicated that you're going, please take a moment to update your RSVP status so that the organizer gets a clear idea of who will be coming to the group.

Be Kind, Courteous and Tactful: We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let's treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. While members are allowed and encouraged to be open and frank, we will remove any members who use offensive, slanderous, harassing, threatening, or abusive/untoward language toward another member or the group.

Be Respectful of Diversity: This group has people from many different walks of life, backgrounds, life experiences and social groups, encompassing a wide range of perspectives and belief systems. Inevitably, some conversations may veer into territory where stark differences among the friends arise. To reiterate the first rule, we simply ask that everyone give their opinions respectfully and be respectful of those opinions that happen to differ from yours. We especially want to avoid any contentious back-and-forth exchanges. All roads lead to Rome, and we're all here to help each other get there in peace.

Absolutely No Hate Speech or Bullying: Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.

Give Space: Please allow each member to fully develop and express their thoughts before forming your own response/input. Also, please strive for conciseness when sharing, as we have a limited time frame and want to make sure everyone gets an adequate chance to share their thoughts. Please minimize crosstalk in the group setting. Questions, offering relevant personal experience, and words of support are welcome as peers, but we are not here to diagnose or treat anyone.

Respect Everyone's Privacy: Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group.

If You are Going Through a Tough Time: Members are welcome to express how they feel and inquire about local mental health services. We as peers are here to support you and provide a safe outlet for your thoughts. We strongly recommend that members in acute mental distress to seek immediate professional assistance. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD provides assistance 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 713-970-7000. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or by text at 741741.

Host or Publisher Marcel Wormsley