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Benefits of support groups...
- Connect with others that share a common experience.
- Feel less lonely or isolated.
- Feel less shame and judgment.
- Reduce depression, anxiety, or fatigue
- Opportunity to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and experience.
- Learn new tools and skills to cope with the challenges.
- Stay motivated to manage treatment plans or processes.
- Feel empowered to overcome and manage the issue.
- Feel a sense of hope.
- Improve your understanding which helps manage your expectations.
- Receive practical and helpful feedback.
- Can provide emotional support. Support groups do not replace therapy.
Structure of support groups...
- In-person or online
- Peer support or Moderated by a facilitator
- Open group or Closed group
Questions to consider when joining...
- Is there a facilitator or moderator?
Has the facilitator undergone training?
Is a mental health expert involved with the group?
- What are the guidelines for confidentiality?
Are there established ground rules for group participation?
- Is this an ongoing drop-in group or does it run for a set period of time?
What days/times does it meet?
- What is the makeup of other members of the group?
- Is there a fee to attend the group?
- What is a typical meeting like?
- Is it free, and if not, what are the fees?
