How Joining a Support Group Helps Mental Health

By Brandi Swieter 

Individuals with mental health struggles should join a support group. It’s beneficial to have like-minded individuals or people who understand similar struggles to talk to on a regular basis. It offers a sense of community and allows those having a tough time to de-stress and find ways to cope. There are many benefits to joining groups like these.

Learning Relaxation Techniques

Support group administrators are knowledgeable in stress relief techniques. They offer the group ways to cope and ease stress without allowing triggers to take over. By going to group and learning these techniques, those with mental health issues may be able to better cope with some of their most alarming symptoms and stressors.

Discussions

Openly discussing particular topics related to mental health can help take some of the stigma away from it. Rather than feeling self conscious about the struggles a person faces, they can see they may not be alone with some of the symptoms they experience. Having valid discussions helps people ease some of their stress and anxiety and free their minds from worry about what others may think about them.

Meeting Like-Minded People

People with mental health problems may have plenty of friends and family to talk to, but without those individuals having any of the same symptoms it’s impossible for them to truly understand what their loved one is going through. Meeting other like-minded people with some of the same problems is highly beneficial. It gives individuals who are struggling someone they can turn to for advice, or a sounding board they can vent with about about how things are going. That person is sure to understand, making the venting process healing and healthy rather than bringing in more feelings of inadequacy or not belonging.

Getting a Different Perspective

Some may feel as though their problems are bigger than others. They may even believe they are the only ones who have those types of problems to begin with. Group sessions allow these people to get a different perspective. After hearing others’ stories, they may see just how wrong they’ve been. There are often others out there who have it far worse, or at the very least the same. This can help to tame negative thoughts and make people feel more grateful about the good things they do have going for them.

Seeking assistance from a local mental health center should be the first start. They will be able to provide resources and information pertaining to support groups in the area and help people get in touch with emergency services if needed. Joining a support group can be great for mental health as long as people take it seriously and make a true effort.

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