When a person faces a problem, their haven is their family or friends. They turn to them for help, but sometimes, family and friends may struggle to relate to what you’re saying or experiencing. However, interacting with people who deal with the same issue you’re having can be beneficial. These people constitute a group that helps each other in need by listening to their problems. In turn, they proffer solutions. These groups are called support groups.
Support groups strengthen and teach each other coping skills to overcome obstacles. Support groups are crucial in mental health, given that one in five United States adults are diagnosed with a mental illness, based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Besides, mental illness can be challenging to deal with single-handedly. Enrolling in a mental health support group will provide that sense of belonging, which your family may not offer. However, many people are unaware of the availability of these support groups.
Satori Health offers high-quality mental health treatment in the San Fernando Valley. Contact us today to learn more about our LA mental health treatment center.
What Are Mental Health Support Groups?
These support groups are designed for people with mental illnesses or in recovery. They provide an enabling space for people to share their experiences and their coping strategies. These support groups usually provide the emotional support the person may lack from their loved ones.
Support groups for mental health are non-judgmental and supportive. Participants can be heard without blame and gain insight into other people’s journeys. Most of these groups are led by people who have gone through similar experiences. They are different from group therapies, where the leader is usually the medical practitioner.
How Do Support Groups Work?
Support groups abide by the principle of self-disclosure and confidentiality. Information or stories disclosed within the group remain confidential. Participants are welcome to share information about their behaviors and learn how to stay stronger in challenging periods. People who suffer from mental health disorders usually feel isolated, but support groups can make them feel less apart when interacting with others facing similar situations.
Reasons for Joining Health Support Groups
The following are why you should join these support groups;
- Support groups for people in mental health recovery are free and readily available to everyone, irrespective of gender.
- These groups are typically led by those who have experienced and overcome the illness. It can inspire others to follow in similar footsteps.
- Support groups for people in recovery share coping skills and educational resources on several topics that contribute to their sobriety.
- You don’t need to commit to a single group. You can join multiple groups if you want, provided it ticks all the necessary boxes.
Are There Mental Health Support Groups?
The answer is already obvious. New support groups emerge every year in the United States. If you’re looking for a support group, ensure it is an excellent fit and provides the right kind of care. Contact an healthcare specialist to recommend the right support group.
Recovery Groups for Mental Health
Two types of support groups are available for people in mental recovery; online support groups and in-person support groups.
Online support groups are self-explanatory. These groups meet and hold sessions online. The benefit of this type of support group is the convenience. You don’t have to be physically present before accessing the benefits of a support group. Anyone in any part of the world can simply join, provided they have a stable internet connection. They help individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, and schizophrenia. The popularity of online support groups has risen significantly since the outbreak of Covid-19. According to recent research by Mental Health America, two-thirds of people in support groups prefer online to in-person. Examples of online support groups are the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and HealthUnlocked.
In-person support groups are traditional, where the person is physically present and seated with other group members. Members of this support group can meet in one of the people’s homes, schools, community centers, or an empty rented space. Like online support groups, they support individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety, trauma, depression, and bipolar. An example of this support group is the 12-step program.
Join a Support Group with Satori Health
Satori Health is a premier treatment center for mental health in Los Angeles. It provides several support groups, such as 12-step, for people with mental health illnesses. Our team is committed to helping patients to cope with life’s challenges while improving their mental health. We also offer anxiety treatment programs, PTSD, and bipolar treatment programs. Contact us at 877-564-1319 to get started today!