Support Groups - Are They For Me?
Ask yourself the following questions:
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Do you feel alone and stressed out?
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Do you feel you are burdening your family and friends with your problems?·
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Do you need more information and answers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for a support group. Support groups are available for everything you can think of - you name a problem or concern, and there is a corresponding support group for this need. Common support groups include those for caregivers, as well as disease-specific support groups including Alzheimer's, strokes, Parkinson's and cancer. Even caregiver support groups can be divided into groups who care for people with mental illnesses, or those with grief in losing a loved one. Support groups are structured differently according to the needs of the group or a facilitator's style. Some groups can be more based on education in addition to the emotional support available.
Why are support groups so popular? People are seeking human connection and more information. They are tired of dealing with their problems alone and/or are frustrated because they don't know enough about the specifics. Support groups can provide an environment that is both emotionally supportive and educational. It can also establish a routine for a person whose life has become unstructured. Support groups utilize mutual understanding and compassion by sharing experiences which can inspire their members. Numerous studies have been done that scientifically support the importance of support groups, and there are a number of advantages to them.
Support groups provide an opportunity for education: people learn not only from the facilitators, but also from each other. Members can feel significant self-empowerment when they learn from and teach one another. There is also a distinct psychological advantage, as members can learn that they are not alone in their issues. Even just a short period of time in a group can encourage someone and help him or her think in a more positive manner.
A support group is the most successful when:
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All members honor the confidentiality of the participants.
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Each person is allowed to speak without interruption.
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Everyone participates equally.
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You leave feeling better or with more knowledge than when you came.
Here are some helpful phone numbers to learn more about St. Louis area support groups:
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For their publication of ALL the local support groups, call NAMI at (314) 966-4670.
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Call the Alzheimer's Association at (314) 432-3422 to get their listing of support groups.
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For caregiver support groups, you may contact Nancy at the American Red Cross at (314) 516-2769.