Welcome back to our exploration into all things emotional. This time our Emotional Health columnist LEIGH SMITH explores the value of Support Groups, and considers how ‘A little help from my friends’ can greatly improve our emotional health.
IN MY work as a counsellor I often recommend support groups to my clients, there are so many benefits to be had from attending these groups that cannot be gained through one-to-one counselling. Support groups are available for a large range of health conditions, and mental health issues. Mental health issues commonly addressed in support groups include depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, pregnancy crisis, personality disorder, drug and alcohol dependency. You can find out more about groups in your area by talking to your doctor or looking on line. Groups are usually run at cost, with a donation which makes them more affordable than counselling. So there really is no reason to ‘go it alone’. Some support groups are facilitated by professionals, whereas others are led by people in recovery themselves. It is wise to shop around for a good group and find one that fits your needs and can help as part of your general wellbeing and emotional health. Three things to look out for in choosing a support group: 1) Does the group atmosphere feel safe and have clear boundaries in place? 2) Does the leader end each group on a note of moving forward? Getting the negativity off your chest is important, but the emphasis should be on how to make positive changes to improve your situation. A good leader will encourage steps toward change, and avoid the group spiralling down into negativity. 3) Do you feel welcomed and included, and able to talk openly without feeling judged? If these three things are not present in the group then this isn’t the group for you, keep looking, there are many support groups which are excellent and can provide you with a chance for growth and change. So how do support groups work? Why should I go and tell my problems to a bunch of strangers? One of the biggest advantages of being in a support group is the sense that ‘I’m not the only one with this problem’ and that others can relate to what’s going on to me in my life. I am not alone This realisation can be a huge relief and create a move away from feeling isolated and into a place of connection and feeling understood. Support groups are a fantastic place to receive information, advice, and first hand knowledge from people experiencing the same difficulties as you. This type of information can be so valuable when learning strategies to live with a mental health condition, and finding ways of coping in a practical way. Sometimes coping with a mental health issue is just awful, and can leave you feeling that no one in the world could possible understand what you are going through. Finding a community of people who have directly experienced the same feelings as you can allow you to open up, and talk about how you feel. A problem shared is a problem halved Talking and being heard is therapeutic and extremely valuable in creating positive emotional health, it is so important to express our feelings. To begin with it can be a real challenge to ‘open up’ and talk to complete strangers about things you’re struggling with in your life. However pretty soon you will develop a sense of community and shared experience that is valuable and allows you to feel understood, valued, and hopeful about your future. You will find that others in the group listen without judgement and praise you for your courage. Mental health issues can erode our self esteem, confidence, and positivity, finding a group of people who value you without judgement can rebuild your inner strength, resilience, and pride. One of the most important benefits of a support group is ‘gaining hope’, seeing other people who have been where you are, endured your challenges and are moving forward in their lives, can give an immense sense of empowerment and hope. As you move along the road to your own recovery you will want to reach out and support those around you that need help, just hearing about how you are moving forward will have a positive impact on others. It is a well known fact that helping others can vastly improve our own emotional wellbeing. ‘Life is not a solo act. It’s a huge collaboration, and we all need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife’ Tim Gunn And remember that support groups are also available for the families and friends of people with mental health conditions. Carers also need a listening ear, and a support network for all the same reasons. So let me leave you with a question: What type of support group could help you achieve your current recovery goals?