Support groups bring together people
with similar problems. As a group, people can give each
other emotional and moral support, as well as share practical
information. The groups are as different as the people who
are in them, but choosing a support group that's right for
you depends on several factors.
In general, support groups fall into two main categories.
There are ones led by a professional moderator, such as
nurse, social worker, or psychologist. And, there are ones
led by group members, which are often called peer or self-help
groups.
Finding a Support Group
If you decide to join a support group, what kind you choose
might depend on what's available in your area, whether you
prefer to stay at home, or if you're able to travel. To
find a support group:
- Ask a healthcare provider for help or ask others
you know with the same illness
for suggestions. - Look in your local telephone book or check your
newspaper or contact
community centers, libraries, churches, or synagogues
in your area. - Contact a state or national organization devoted
to depression or anxiety.
There are several listed in this site's page
of online resources. - Search the Internet. Many state and national organizations
have Web sites
that offer information on support groups.
Most support groups are free, collect voluntary donations,
or charge only reasonable membership fees to cover expenses.
Choosing a Support Group
Each type of support group has its own advantages and disadvantages.
You might prefer a structured group with a moderator or
you might feel more comfortable meeting with a small group
of people casually.
If you're uncomfortable about sharing personal information
with a group of people you don't know, see if you can go
to one meeting and just listen, rather than talk.
If you're considering message boards on the Internet, be
careful. You might like being anonymous, but the trade-off
might be that you don't know who else is online with you
and you might not know if you can believe everything you
read. Look for groups associated with reliable organizations
or ones hosted by an expert.
If you decide to take part in a group (in person or online),
try it out a few times. If you don't find it useful or feel
uncomfortable, you don't have to continue.
You might have to experiment with different kinds of support
groups before you find a group that fits you. Avoid any
group that promises a cure or suggests that support groups
can take the place of medical treatment.
