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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, September 9, 2016 | 18 Group offers Equilibrium to those facing mood disorders by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver If you and/or your loved one are having a tough time because of a mood disorder, you can count on EquilibriumOakville (EO) for support. Established in 1991, EO is a not-for-profit, peer support group for individuals and families affected by a mood disorder (bi-polar, depression). The support organization will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Evangel Pentecostal Church, 1450 Rebecca St. Guest speaker will be Dr. Karl O'Sullivan, one of the group's co-founders. The celebration will also mark the organization's first meeting for 2016-17 (gatherings are held from September to June every year). "A big part of wellness and getting through a situation or disorder is to have support, to connect with people who have been there or may be there at the moment," said Trish Green, group co-ordinator. "Everybody that comes to our meetings... their lives have been touched by a mood disorder. It's supportive to know there are other people who are struggling like you are." The group was founded by O'Sullivan, and Hank and Janet Chyc as a way to help Hank, who was suffering from a deep depression, Green said, noting the couple was O'Sullivan's patients. "The three of them decided they would form a support group and that's how the group came about. It was a very small group to begin with and it has grown over the years," said Green, who joined in 2006. "The group exists because we're not a charitable organization, we're a not-forprofit organization. We survive solely on funds donated." There were close to 10 people attending meetings when EO first launched, Green said, but today, it's common for 40-60 people to Dr. Karl O'Sullivan show up. When O'Sullivan is a guest speaker, however, there can be as many as 100 attendees. "Our attendance varies a lot. It depends where people are at in needing support. Sometimes, people coming to our meetings have just had a diagnosis of a mood disorder and they don't know what it's about and don't know where to get services," said Green. Those who attend EO's monthly meetings, which are free and held on the second Tuesday of the month at Evangel Pentecostal Church, are often looking for two things, Green said. They want educational information on mood disorders and what they are and details on the group's community partners, which can be found in brochures on display at each gathering. "The resources are valuable for people who are coming into the mood disorder community because there are a lot of services in Oakville, but there's not really a melting pool for all of the services together," said Green, noting Equilibrium connects with about 100 mental health partners. The EO group co-ordinator said each meeting features a presentation and a discussion. For the latter, attendees break off into three groups -- bi-polar, depression and family and friends. "In these discussion groups, people have an opportunity to share their feelings and talk about what may be going on in their life that is a problem. The peer support group part is really good," said Green. "It was good for me because I heard my thoughts and feelings coming out of someone else's mouth. I thought I was the only person experiencing those things." Those who share their stories and experiences openly only provide a first name, Green said, as EO puts a "great emphasis" on confidentiality. "What is said in those rooms, stays in those rooms. When people first come, they're unsure of who we are and what's going to happen with what's been said," said Green. "Once people get comfortable at the meetings and they realize what we're about, they build trust and then they're able to speak out." She noted the group has a second chapter in Halton, Equilibrium-Georgetown (EG), which began five years ago with the help of EO. "We had a member in our group who lived in Georgetown and she felt there was a need there and wanted a group there," said Green. It is an honour for Green to be a part of EO's celebration next month since she's been a member for 10 years and has seen the group evolve since then, she said. "It is meeting the needs of the people looking for support, in terms of a mood disorder. Because of the increase in our attendance, there is a need for it," said Green. "From the reception we get in the community from our partners, we know how valuable our service is. We hear that over and over again." EO's 25th anniversary celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. It is free to attend, but donations will be accepted. For more information on the group or anniversary, email info@equilibrium-oakville. com or visit www.equilibriumoakville.com. 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