Participating in a support group can serve as a positive step towards your mental health recovery. In addition, joining a support group can also be beneficial for friends and family members to understand their loved one's mental illness. It can be challenging to locate the right support group for you. Think ahead about what sort of support group you want to attend in order to guide your decisions.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Determining Your Needs
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Choose a topic. Select a support group that is focused on your specific mental health need. After all, the group won't be able to help you if you aren't attending one that has patients and possibly a leader who have experience in what you are going through.
- Groups are often based around specific mental health illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, grief, and bipolar disorder. [1] X Research source
- There are also some mixed diagnosis groups that you can look into, as well as support groups for people with existential concerns like death, isolation, and meaninglessness. [2] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source [3] X Research source
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Decide on a format. Choose whether you would like to attend a support group in person, or if you would like to join one that meets online. Some patients like the comfort and support that meeting with their peers provides, while others enjoy the convenience and anonymity that online groups offer.
- Online groups are also helpful if you aren't able to find support groups that meet in your area. Select the format that makes you feel comfortable, as you'll get the most out of a group that you feel safe in. [4] X Research source
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Consider what type of facilitator you desire. Decide if you would like to join a group that is led by a professional mental health care provider, of if you would rather attend a group that is run by your peers.
- Some groups are led by social workers or counselors who help facilitate the sharing. In a support group, they typically do not guide the group in any specific direction or offer advice or therapy. Peer-run groups don't have leaders, and attendees often simply speak about what they are experiencing. However, some groups have a facilitator who provides direction, facilitation, and psychoeducation during the process.
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Try out a few groups. While mental health support groups are designed to help individuals and their families manage and live with a mental illness, not every group will be right for you. If possible, go to a meeting or two with a group before assessing whether you should move on and keep looking. However, keep in mind that some groups have closed meetings, so you may not be able to just drop in to check it out. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source Look for open groups or ask someone ahead of time if you can attend a meeting. After you attend a group meeting, try ask these questions to determine if the group seems like a good fit: [6] X Research source
- Do I feel more positive about myself after leaving group?
- Am I learning helpful strategies to help me cope with my own or my family member's illness?
- Do I feel encouraged by other group members?
- Do I feel like the group is a safe place to share?
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Know when you should keep searching. Attend several sessions of a support group before you decide whether it is right for you. If you come out of the group feeling better, then you may have found what you are looking for.
- If not, continue searching for a group that makes you feel comfortable and helps you move towards your recovery. With so many options available, you're sure to find one that eventually works for you.
- Keep in mind that if you join a closed group meeting, you may be expected to commit to a certain time period with the group. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source Stopping suddenly may be discouraged.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Finding Support Groups Locally
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Talk to your primary care provider. Ask your healthcare provider about local support groups that may be able to help. Chances are, he or she has patients who have needed the same kind of support you are searching for. Attending a group that is recommended by a professional often provides help that is beneficial. [8] X Research source
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Consult with your therapist. If you or your loved one participates in either individual or group therapy, you can ask your therapist to recommend a support group that aligns with your needs. Many therapists are often facilitators for various support groups in the local community.
- At the very least, your therapist is probably involved in regional and national mental health organizations that may sponsor support groups in your area. Ask questions to find out how this professional can help you get engaged with a good group.
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Ask support services at your school. Talk with the counselor or mental health provider at your school to find groups that may meet where you study. Colleges and universities often have professional- and student-run groups that meet on campus or virtually.
- Joining a group that features members of your own age and who experience the same pressures of school that you are can be extremely helpful.
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Contact local churches or community centers. Call or visit churches, libraries, community centers, and other similar venues in your area. Many offer a variety of support groups and may have resources on those in the area, if they do not.
- Typically, good support groups have contact people who can give you the information you need before attending and can help you determine if this type of group is appropriate for you. [9] X Research source
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Start a support group of your own. Decide if you have the time and skills it takes to run your own support group, if you are unable to find one that already exists or one you like.Once you determine if you are able to lead a group, you'll need to find a space to hold the meetings. Some are held in homes, but often, hospitals and churches allow groups to meet at no charge. [10] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Finding Support Groups Online
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Start with organizations related to your topic. Search the Internet to find a reputable organization that is related to your mental health problem. Often, they will offer online support groups through their websites. Your mental health professional may also be able to recommend an organization that can help you.
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Visit MentalHealthAmerica.net. Go to the Mental Health America website to find valuable tools and resources that can help you find the support you need. Along with offering mental health screening tools and advice, the site also gives help finding providers and support groups in your area.
- You can also learn how to get involved in Mental Health America events and find out about opportunities in which to volunteer. [11] X Research source
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Learn online etiquette for posting on discussion boards or forums. Search the Internet or talk to a health care professional to learn the proper etiquette for online support groups. Refraining from judging others, putting them down, and commenting rudely are important, as people join support groups for help and feeling hurt can set them back in their recoveries.
- Additionally, many online support group members want to remain anonymous, so respecting their privacy is extremely important. [12] X Research source
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Judge whether an online group is helpful to you. Online groups provide tremendous flexibility, allowing group members to connect with one another across cities, states, and countries. Still, even online groups have their pros and cons. Evaluate your group carefully to ensure that the group isn't merely a ploy to market the facilitator's recovery program or services. You also want to assess the helpfulness of the group for your situation. [13] X Research source
- Does the group reduce the hopelessness you feel about your or your family member's illness?
- Does the group include positive support from its members?
- Are there guidelines prohibiting shaming or negative language?
- Does the group serve as a practical resource (or provide resources) for coping?
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of support group should I choose?Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.There are so many to choose from nowadays. There's always community-based self-help groups. There are a ton of 12-step groups. A lot of people are doing hobby-based or activity groups, and there are also meetups. If you're looking for actual group therapy, they should probably get in touch with various clinics in the community. That's the best way to find an actual psychotherapy group.
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QuestionHow can I find a place that does group therapy?Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.Look at different mental health clinics’ websites in your town. Even sometimes universities will have group therapy sessions. Schools of professional psychology will usually have group offerings.
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References
- ↑ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups
- ↑ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1077722912000028?np=y
- ↑ http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/existential-psychotherapy
- ↑ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups
- ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/group-therapy.aspx
- ↑ http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/picking-the-support-group-thats-right-for-you
- ↑ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/group-therapy.aspx
- ↑ http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/picking-the-support-group-thats-right-for-you
- ↑ http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/picking-the-support-group-thats-right-for-you
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