Support group

Support group is a group of people who provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.

Types of support groups

Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways. Traditionally, groups have met in person in sizes that allowed conversational interaction. Support groups also maintain contact through printed newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists. Some support groups are exclusively online (see List of Internet forums).

Benefits of support groups

In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a shared burdensome characteristic. Members with the same issues can come together for sharing coping strategies, to feel more empowered and for a sense of community. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks.

Criticism of support groups

While there are many benefits to participating in a support group, there are also potential drawbacks, such as the possibility of negative influence from other group members or the group as a whole. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing their experiences in a group setting, and some group dynamics may not be beneficial to certain individuals.

See also

• Self-help groups for mental health
• Twelve-step program
• Virtual community

External links

• Mental Health America: Find a Support Group
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Find a Support Group

Support group Resources
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