For many people speaking in a group can be better for some people than going to individual therapy. This is because you don’t always have to talk. You can listen to other people’s stories. The sessions are more structured. And most importantly, you’re building relationships with people.
There are a variety of organizations that offer support groups for people, their family members, and friends. Some support groups are peer-led (like AA – where there is no therapist/professional), while others may be led by a mental health professional.
What are support groups?
Support groups are spaces where people can come together to share their stories, experiences, and lives. They do this in a way that helps reduce isolation and loneliness. Oftentimes, we think we are struggling alone, but support groups help us see that there are others who may be dealing with similar situations. And we can turn to them to help us get better.
Support groups are open to anyone, but they are often focused on specific topics (i.e., depression, family, divorce, grief, etc.). So, take some time and do some research to find the right one for you and your current situation.
Finding the right support group can be helpful. Do not be discouraged if the first support group you find doesn’t quite feel right. You should feel comfortable in the support group space that you choose, so trying different ones may help you determine the best fit.
Finding in-person support groups
Many places offer meetings and in-person support groups that you can attend. If you’re not sure where to start, your local Mental Health America affiliate is an excellent resource to assist you in finding support groups in near you.
Here are other places to look for in-person support groups.
- Try your local department of mental health. Programs funded by your local government’s department of mental health or public health often offer support groups.
- Look for support at different mental health organizations. Organizations like Mental Health America and NAMI for example, may offer support groups that you can join.
- Use the SAMHSA treatment locator tool. You can search find a list of programs that offer peer support.
- If you need support with substance use, try 12-step programs. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other self-help programs have meetings and offer peer support.
- Your insurance provider may be able to connect you to support groups. Some healthcare insurance providers may have peer support programs for patients.
- You can create your own group support system. A friend or loved one who has been through similar experiences can provide resources, information, and advice.
Finding online support groups
Some organizations offer online support groups, discussion boards, blogs, and online communities as additional ways to connect with others. These can be helpful additions to in-person support groups. And can be especially helpful if there are no groups in your area.
For example, Mental Health America has its own support community through Inspire which helps users to connect on a variety of issues and topics about mental health.
Some people find that online support helps them in their healing journey. It can be helpful to confide in a stranger who can provide an outside perspective on what you are going through. Or finding people who are going through what you are on Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Facebook groups, or other online forums.
These can be comfortable spaces to talk about what you are going through. They can also be places to share experiences and symptoms, ask questions, and learn more information about treatment.
Just remember that online support is not a replacement for talking to a mental health professional. You should always use caution when considering advice from an online source. And if you are unsure, always ask your doctor or mental health provider.