The search for support - Support groups made simple
- maeby1
- Jul 19, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24, 2023
My struggle is not unique. I am not the only person who has been through this. I am not alone.
These are the words I forced myself to repeat as I reluctantly entered the room for my first support group meeting. It was scary to face a circle of strangers, to bear my pain for them to hear (or worse… judge!) While my anxiety was perfectly normal, it was unfounded. Support groups aren’t about judging. They were created to help countless individuals come together to connect with others who are struggling with similar issues. The best thing about groups is… they WORK!
What is a support group?
A support group is a gathering of people who share a common experience. This experience could be a disability, illness, addiction, mental health diagnosis, grief, life change, trauma etc.
The group members share certain characteristics which make understanding and empathy towards other group members more natural. Participating in a group gives you access to many different stories, treatments, feelings and solutions that you may not have considered.
Groups can be in person or online. Most are free. Many are anonymous. Usually one person acts as the group leader or facilitator. There is often an aspect of education, paired with the option to share personal experiences with the group.
Support groups are not “group therapy”. Therapy is conducted by a mental health professional, while support groups are more informal and are designed to connect individuals and provide a network of peers. They are often led by a member of the group who has participated for a long time and has accomplished or sustained their personal goals or recovery.
Benefits of support groups
Safe space to share your thoughts and feelings
Feeling “understood” by others who really “get it”
Feeling more connected and less “alone”
More heads are better than one - more tools, treatments and ideas
Reduced symptoms related to your presenting problem
External motivation (positive peer pressure)
Brainstorming and processing ideas more quickly
Education
More hopefulness as you see what works for others
Immediate feedback from your peers
Accountability in sticking to your goals
But where do I go to find the right group for me?
The internet is a beautiful tool. When I first started attending groups I had to make actual phone calls to organizations asking what they offered (eek). Now a simple Google search will guide you right to your people! Here are a few pointers:
Ask yourself: What is the problem I would like support on?
Perform a search: Enter keywords into google and explore options in your area.
Consider whether you would like to attend a virtual or face-to-face meeting.
Reach out to your healthcare provider - You won’t be the first patient to ask for support.
To get you started, here are some examples of nationally recognized support groups:
Groups can be aimed at broad or specific experiences. Do a little searching and you will likely find a group that fits your needs. Most organizations provide opportunities for virtual meetings so you can still attend even if a group doesn’t meet nearby.
I feel heard. I feel supported. I am not alone.
These were the phrases that ran through my mind as I left my first meeting. Listening to other people’s stories, watching the nods of recognition as I told my own, the experience opened my eyes to the connection between all of us. We are all navigating this complicated world. Where you feel lost, someone else may have the answer, and where they are struggling, you may have the exact tools they need.
You don’t have to figure this out all by yourself. You just have to want out of the struggle enough to face the fear of walking into that group. You don’t have to share. You do have to listen. One story is all it takes to assure you that you aren’t alone. One search is all it takes to find that opportunity.
Choose connection. Choose support. Choose hope. YOU are worth it!
If you need help NOW - don't wait. Please call 1-800-273-8255
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is ALWAYS there.
Someone IS waiting and hoping to listen RIGHT NOW.
Written by Maeby Lopez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Professional Organizer
Comments