What do they do at bipolar/depression meetings?

I was wondering if anyone knows what they do and exactly what type of activities they have at bipolar/depression meeting? I am a nursig student, and me and two of my classmates went to observe a bipolar/depression meeting but they jacka** running the meeting kicked us out saying they didnt want a lot of students observing. However, when we originally called to ask if it was okay the receptionist told us it was fine. Anyways, does anybody know?

Good Evening,
That is very sweet of you and your friends to want to learn more about this illness.If we had more nurses or premed students that cared as much as your group so many people would be better off when they end up in the emergency room..

In the meetings they talk about the medication they take are not taking. How their life's are being effected..Some groups talk about changing the cognitive thinking. How this effects them, the family..

But you can go over the persons head to get into the meeting..Find out who the head is of the meetings and explain to them what it is you are trying to do. Another idea is find some work books that a bi-polar would use to do a self help.. this has insight as well into their minds.

Laugh hysterically, then cry up a river.
One of the things is to get people to talk about how they feel , to get feed back from others on weather they have a similar problem and how they deal with it. Learn how to recognize what is happening to you and that you've made it through it before and you will again, Maybe have a journal that you write in how you feeling , Illustrate if you can draw whats going on . The reason you were not allowed in is because these meeting are confidential. What is said there is for gaining help and helping each other. Not for Pubic scrutiny.
I am a regular at meetings in Philly. They allow others to come in all the time. When you go in to get your name tag they ask you if you are a consumer or family/friend.
In the beginning they do a catch up talk, the person heading the meeting tells you about all the things that are around that may interest you. Sometimes they have speakers come in to talk (pharmacists, doctors etc.)
After the first half we get a 10 minute break and then we go into groups. Consumers usually have 2 groups and family/friends have their own.
In our groups we just go around and talk about what is going on in our lives or just vent to each other. It is not a free for all, we all take turns and we all listen. Not all speakers want comments to their questions and not everyone shares.
At the end of the group we all say the serenity prayer and wish everyone well until next week. Next time just say you are family or friends.