Support groups can play a prominent role in restoring our mental health and well-being. Sometimes those suffering from chronic health concerns, who have mental health-related illnesses, lost family members or are care-givers for terminal patients, can cope with their experiences better by becoming a part of support groups and learning from each other.
A support group is a gathering of people who are going through a rough time due to medical reasons, mental illness or other personal struggles.
They get a chance to share their personal stories and struggles. And through discussions, they focus on how they can help each other and live each day feeling better than before. This is also the space where they learn how to cope with the burden they are carrying and how they can proceed with dealing with and treating them. Best of all, it provides a non-threatening environment. A doctor may be clinical and cold in his assessment, family members may not be able to understand you but a support group is the perfect anchor and gets you back in the groove.
The following are some ways in which support groups can be helpful:
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Lean on each other for mental health
Consistently holding on to difficult feelings can aggravate daily challenges of coping with them.Sharing similar experiences with others fosters a space where one doesn’t feel judged. Instead, everybody feels better supported and comforted. Join a support group, recommends Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme
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Written By Dr Samir Parikh | New Delhi |
Updated: July 12, 2022 10:14:32 am
Sometimes those suffering from chronic health concerns, who have mental health-related illnesses, lost family members or are care-givers for terminal patients, can cope with their experiences better by becoming a part of support groups (File)
Support groups can play a prominent role in restoring our mental health and well-being. Sometimes those suffering from chronic health concerns, who have mental health-related illnesses, lost family members or are care-givers for terminal patients, can cope with their experiences better by becoming a part of support groups and learning from each other.
A support group is a gathering of people who are going through a rough time due to medical reasons, mental illness or other personal struggles.
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They get a chance to share their personal stories and struggles. And through discussions, they focus on how they can help each other and live each day feeling better than before. This is also the space where they learn how to cope with the burden they are carrying and how they can proceed with dealing with and treating them. Best of all, it provides a non-threatening environment. A doctor may be clinical and cold in his assessment, family members may not be able to understand you but a support group is the perfect anchor and gets you back in the groove.
The following are some ways in which support groups can be helpful:
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1) Gain practical knowledge and information: Being able to speak with others going through similar experiences can help you gain knowledge of the practical aspects of your condition that you may not be aware of yourself. People in support groups can supply information to each other which can help in the long run. Sometimes, you get access to better learning resources and referrals for top doctors and experts.
2) Recognise that you are not alone in your experiences: One of the most effective ways in which support groups can help is by allowing individuals to recognise they are not alone in experiencing their distress and pain. They feel less alone and isolated and more secure in knowing that they are not the only ones who are being tested. Somehow, you feel relieved that there might just be a way to get out of the trough.
3) Sharing feelings is comforting: Consistently holding on to difficult feelings can aggravate daily challenges of coping with them.Sharing similar experiences with others fosters a space where one doesn’t feel judged. Instead, everybody feels better supported and comforted as well. If you have been a loner, a support group is the best way to improve your social skills.
Nice artical
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