In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic. Members with the same issues can come together for sharing coping strategies, to feel more empowered and for a sense of community. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks.
Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. A support group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information.
A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between problem/concerns and emotional needs.
Structure of support groups
Support groups may be independent of any organization and run entirely by group members.
Some support groups may offer educational opportunities, such as a guest to talk about a topic related to the group's needs.
Support groups are not the same as group therapy sessions. Group therapy is a specific type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of a licensed mental health care provider.
Benefits of support groups
The common experience among members of a support group often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions or treatment side effects. Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another.
Benefits of participating in a support group may include:
- Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
- Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
- Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
- Improving skills to cope with challenges
- Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans
- Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope
- Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it
- Getting practical feedback about treatment options
- Learning about health, economic or social resources
Possible risks
Support groups may have drawbacks, and effective groups generally depend on the facilitator to help steer away from these problems. These problems may include:
- Disruptive group members
- Conversation dominated by griping
- Lack of confidentiality
- Emotional entanglement, group tension or interpersonal conflicts
- Inappropriate or unsound advice
- Competitive comparisons of whose condition or experience is worse
Questions to ask before joining a support group
Support groups vary in how they are organized and led. Before joining a support group, ask the following questions:
- Does the group meet for a set period of time or does it continue indefinitely?
- Where does the group meet?
- At what times and how often does the group meet?
- 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?
- What is a typical meeting like?
- Is it free, and if not, what are the fees?
Red flags that might indicate a problematic support group may include:
- Promises of a sure cure for your condition
- High fees to attend the group
- Pressure to purchase products or services
Getting the most out of a support group
When you join a new support group, you may be nervous about sharing personal issues with people you don't know. At first, you may benefit from simply listening. Over time, however, contributing your own ideas and experiences may help you get more out of a support group.
Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group or a different support group format.
(Resources: Wikipedia and Mayo Clinic)
Remember that a support group isn't a substitute for regular therapy. Let your therapist know that you're participating in a support group.
If you are interested, StraightTalk, LLC offer support groups for the following topics:
1) Toxic Relationships
2) Codependency
* MORE TO COME