The Power of Support Groups
Online Support Groups
Online Support groups: Online virtual communities where individuals with similar experiences, concerns or conditions can provide mutual support, share information, seek advice and provide each other with encouragement and comfort.
Online Support groups can cover a wide range of topics like chronic illness, caregiver support, domestic abuse, grief, cancer, supporting someone who is terminally ill, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many more! There is a support group for almost everything. These groups exist in various forms such as chat rooms, discussion forms, social media platforms and web sites.
Important!
While online support groups can be a valuable tool, they DO NOT REPLACE PROFESSIONAL HELP! If you’re dealing with severe mental health issues or require specific advice, please consult a licensed therapist or medical professional immediately.
Benefits of online support groups
The benefits of online support groups are many such as reducing stress, depression, anxiety, feeling less lonely or isolated and helps you stay motivated to deal with chronic conditions help to stick to treatment plans. They help you realize that you’re not alone. Help you express your feelings; this can be a very healing and therapeutic experience particularly as you see that others in the group will listen nonjudgmentally. Support groups will offer lots of practical tips and resources for dealing with your specific concerns/issues as members share their stories and strategies that helped them feel better or move forward to recover. You will learn and practice coping skills.
How do online support groups work?
Online support groups function similarly as in person support groups they still have meeting times but are usually have more flexible times, sometimes they are on message boards.
Finding an online support group
There are numerous online support groups available covering various topics. You can search for various groups related to your needs using search engines, social media platforms or online directories. Once you find a group that suits your needs join and become a member, this may include creating an account, filing out a profile and agreeing to a list of guidelines and rules.
Introduction and orientation
Upon joining many groups encourage new members to introduce themselves. This helps you become familiar with others and establish connections within the community.
Some groups organize online events such as webinars, guest speakers or workshops to further educate and engage members. These events create a more interactive and real time connections within the community.
Privacy and anonymity
Many support groups offer anonymity, allowing members to participate without revealing personal information. This can provide a sense of safety and security.
Here’s a list of just a few support groups and places to find support groups.
HeyPeers – Where Peers and Support Groups Connect
You’ll find a wide variety of support groups through Support Groups Central. It curates support groups from other organizations, such as the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) and re:MIND. You can search for groups by topics such as depression, addiction, LGBTQ+, and even COVID-19. Most groups are free or have a small, suggested donation, and you can sign up for email alerts about future meetings by topic too
The AADA (The Anxiety and Depression Association of America) has its own anonymous peer to peer support group with over 60,000 subscribers its primarily focused on anxiety and depression many people discuss OCD, PTSD, ADHA and other co-occurring disorders. You can participate on your desktop or download the iOS app for iPhones here.
Senior Support Groups – Find Groups For Older Adults – MeetCaregivers
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?
24/7 crisis support for veterans and their loved ones.
The 9 Best Online Support Groups for Depression in 2022 (psychcentral.com)
There are general groups for depression, grief and bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide, to name a few. Plus, you can check out more specific groups based on specific medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, and less common diseases like scleroderma and myocarditis. Also, families, caregivers, teens, and young adults can join groups just for them.
Again – Remember while online support groups can be valuable, they do not replace professional help, if you’re dealing with significant mental health issue or require specific advice, consulting a licensed therapist or healthcare professional is essential.
Please take care of yourself mind, body and soul.
