What Does a Mental Health Support Group Look Like?

Struggling with a mental health issue can feel isolating and lonely. However, there is no struggle that is wholly unique to one person. Everyone has their own personal experiences and struggles, but there are people who are struggling with similar issues.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about support groups, including:

• What support groups are
• What you can expect from a support group
• What to avoid when looking for a support group
• The benefits of joining a support group

What is a Support Group?

A support group is a place where you can go to share your experiences, find support, gain insight, and learn about what you are experiencing.

These mental health groups are dedicated to bringing together like-minded people so they can help one another work through the difficulties of life.

Types of Support Groups For Mental Health

Support groups are usually centered on a specific theme or struggle. They can vary widely in focus and include topics like:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Substance abuse
• Trauma
• Divorce and marriage
• Being a caregiver
• Grief
• Parenting

Mental health support groups can also vary in organization.

• Peer support groups: led by someone with a shared experience. Often less formal.
• Professional support groups: led by a mental health professional who may not have lived experience, but has a high level of understanding. Often more formal.

Peer support and professional support groups can look very similar in practice, but there’s an important difference between them. Professional support groups often place a greater emphasis on using counseling tools to help people work through their issues, while peer support groups focus more on making meaningful connections.

The format, focus, and style of these groups can differ, so it’s best to explore them yourself before deciding which is right for you.

Support Groups Vs. Group Therapy

Support groups can often be confused with group therapy. However, they are very different.

Support Groups

Support groups provide a space where people can share experiences with others and find support from people going through similar issues. They’re usually very informal settings and should not be used in lieu of therapy.

Many people start to attend support groups after graduating from an intensive treatment program as a way to continue receiving mental health support.

Group Therapy 

Group therapy sessions must be led by a mental health professional. This kind of therapy uses group versions of evidence based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT). Their settings are more formal and have specific guidelines and homework.

Depending on your situation, group therapy might be a better option than individual therapy. Some people feel uncomfortable sharing their story in a one-on-one setting, so group therapy can offer a more comfortable way to receive support.

What To Expect in a Support Group

It can be scary to attend your first support group session without knowing what to expect. However, when you understand what actually happens during these sessions, you’ll likely feel more at ease and ready to engage with the group.

Open to specific People

Support groups are not free range. They are tailored to specific kinds of individuals who share common issues. Depending on the group, there may be restrictions on age, gender, and mental health struggles.

To get the most out of a support group, attend one that matches your needs.

Some groups are also designed to provide aftercare for people who received treatment at a specific treatment location. For example, people who attend treatment at Sequoia Behavioral Health are welcome to attend one of our support groups.

Related Resources: Mental Health Treatment in Mesa, Arizona

Being Put at Ease

Before getting started, you can expect the facilitator to greet you. They’ll likely walk you through what to expect for that specific group and introduce you to other members if you feel comfortable.

Facilitators usually expect newcomers to feel a bit nervous about attending a support group for the first time, so they’ll often do whatever they can to help you feel comfortable.

Clear Ground Rules and Structure

Every support group should have ground rules to help facilitate healthy conversations. These rules detail how members can engage with one another during a session and help create a comforting environment.

Here are some common ground rules that can be found in most support groups:

• Respect
• Confidentiality
• Only talk when it’s your turn
• No talking about someone else’s experiences
• Let other people have their time

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These rules are important to follow during sessions, as they ensure everyone feels heard.

Staying on Track

You should expect the facilitator to keep the conversation on track. That means enforcing rules, leading questions, and reorienting the conversation when needed. The facilitator will also look for common themes and lead the conversation based on the topic at hand.

The facilitator should also be able to handle emergencies if they occur.

Guests

Some support groups occasionally invite guest speakers to share insights on topics related to the group’s focus. These sessions offer opportunities to gain professional guidance on specific subjects.

These sometimes allow for Q&A time and should be utilized when possible.

Mandatory Reporting

While everything shared within a support group is shared in confidence, it’s important to know that most facilitators are mandatory reporters. This means they are legally required to report any illegal activity they hear about during session time. This includes thoughts of suicide or causing harm to others.

Mandatory reporters should be trained in letting everyone in the group know that crimes shared will be reported. They are at risk of losing their license and could face major legal issues if they don’t report them.

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What to Avoid in Support Groups

If something feels off about a support group, that likely means something is, in fact, off. These are some of the reasons you should choose to disengage from a support group:

• The facilitator is not well-trained
• The group is too big
• The group engages in gossip
• Rules aren’t enforced
• The group is promoting a product or service
• You consistently feel worse after attending

If you notice any of these red flags while attending a support group meeting, consider not returning. It may take time to find a group that works for you.

Benefits of Support Groups

Research shows that support groups are effective for people living with a mental health condition, and that’s for a lot of good reasons. These are some of the benefits for attending a support group for mental health.

Reduces Feelings of Isolation

Mental health conditions have a way of making people feel isolated, as if no one else has gone through what they’re going through.

When you attend a support group for mental health, you’ll hear from people who are experiencing something similar to you. This will help you feel less isolated and more connected with others.

Can Bring Words To Personal Experience

When you hear other people share their experiences, you may find that you better understand yourself and your experiences.

Being able to explain how you feel can be very challenging. Hearing how other people explain their struggles can help you find the words to verbalize your feelings. This will help you name, claim, and work through what you’re experiencing.

Find a Community

Having a community can mean the difference between struggling and thriving. Being in a community:

• Reduces loneliness and stress
• Improves mental health
• Provides support during difficulties
• Gives a sense of belonging and comfort

You may not meet lifelong friends or people who will come over to hang out, but you will find a group of people who want to connect and help each other out.

Support Groups in Mesa, Arizona

Finding a support group may be easier than you think. 

At Sequoia Behavioral Health in Mesa, Arizona, we offer personalized mental health treatment that addresses both symptoms and root causes. People receiving care with us are welcome to join our support groups as part of their ongoing journey.

If you have any questions about how Sequoia Behavioral Health provides a unique treatment plan and could help you, reach out today.