Nine Benefits of Support Groups

There are many different types of support groups that target different topics, concerns and mental health conditions. Some of the most common issues that support groups address are depression, anxiety, grief, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, teenage problems, etc. Most of the time, support groups are led by counselling psychologists or trained mental health professions, while other times, they are led by individuals who are also in recovery.

Group counseling or support groups are recommended to individuals who are battling mental health problems or substance abuse in addition to individual therapy sessions and routine medications. We have listed down nine benefits of support groups for individuals who are uncertain of it or are considering it.

You Are Not Alone - Most people who experience support groups tend to say that until they experienced it, they think they’re the only ones facing that problem. Most people are surprised to find that there are so many others out there facing similar problems which brings about a sense of relief and belonging to know that there are others out there who share your concerns and encourage you to seek help.

Structured Expressing - Once participants realize that there are people within the group who share their concerns, they feel safe and supported within the environment and feel comfortable enough to share their feelings to others. Sharing can be a very therapeutic activity and plays a pivoting role in the healing process. A therapist for teens especially recommends support groups for teenagers as teenagers can find it very difficult to express themselves to people. However, when they find others like themselves who listen and relate in a non-judgmental way, they can be courageous and open.

Helpful Information - Support groups teach individuals helpful tips and tricks for dealing with their problems. These strategies effectively help them move towards recovery and help them focus on coping mechanisms and healing techniques.

Social Skills - When individuals meet other group members, it gives them a chance to work on their social skills and learn how to interact with others in a comfortable and casual manner.

Hopefulness - When individuals meet other members in a group who have been in therapy for a while and have slowly progressed towards their goal, they feel motivated to do so too. Watching others recover and attain happiness can give them a sense of hope that they too can reach their goal.

Increased Sense of Self - When individuals learn effective ways to cope with difficult situations, it helps them understand themselves better and learn that they are unique. Gaining an insight can help them gain a greater sense of control over themselves which can help them move toward their goal.

Helpfulness - Members in a group can help you learn a lot more than you can imagine, and in turn, you can do the same for many other members. Individuals in a support group can positively influence other members in a group simply by being kind, supportive and helpful. When someone feels that they are being understood and supportive, that alone can be therapeutic and pivoting in their healing experience and journey.