Support Groups

A support group is a place where people who’ve been through similar experiences connect, offer understanding and help each other feel less alone. It’s a resource you choose to join. The main goal is to create a safe space where people can share, listen and be there for one another.

Support groups are a kind of extra help that goes with the care you get from your healthcare provider. They aren’t meant to take the place of medical treatment.

Who should join a support group?

Support groups can help you handle the emotional side of what you’re going through. There are many reasons why you might look for this kind of help. Some of the most common include:

• Cancer
• Caregiving
• Disability
• Divorce
• Grief (loved one or pet loss)
• Medical conditions (like Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis)
• Mental health conditions (like bipolar disorder, depression, substance use disorder)
• Neurodegenerative conditions (like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)
• Neurodevelopmental conditions (like ADHD, autism)
• New parent

If you’re facing a challenge, there’s likely a group out there for you, even if it isn’t listed here.

Types of support groups

There are different kinds of support groups, like:

• In-person: Meet face-to-face at a set place and time
• Online: Meet using video calls, chat or message boards
• Led by professionals: Run by a healthcare provider, therapist or trained specialist
• Led by trained peers: Run by people who have gone through similar experiences

Support groups are different from group therapy. Group therapy is a form of medical treatment led by a licensed mental health provider. It focuses on improving mental health and often follows a specific plan.

What happens during a support group meeting?

During a support group, you’ll meet regularly with others in a safe, judgment-free space. You can talk about your personal experiences, difficulties and wins. You’ll listen while others do the same. You’ll have the chance to connect with others, hear words of encouragement and share helpful ideas or ways to cope. You’ll also learn to understand others’ feelings and show kindness when someone’s having a tough day.

Over time, this may help you build confidence, feel more connected and handle challenges in new ways.

Potential benefits

Being part of a support group can offer many helpful benefits, like:

• Coping skills: Discover ways to manage stress, big emotions or burnout
• Emotional relief: Help you feel less alone and encourage hope
• Extra help with treatment: Add to what you get from providers and one-on-one therapy
• Friendship and connection: Make new friends, feel accepted, safe and not judged
• Guidance: Get help with finding care, services and what to expect in hard situations
• Helpful information: Learn tips, advice and gather resources that others found useful
• Motivation and encouragement: Self-reflect and learn from others who’ve been through similar things
• Positive role models: See real-life examples of people moving forward and doing well

Potential risks

Support groups can be helpful, but there are also some things to watch out for:

• Building trust: It can take time to feel safe sharing personal things, especially in a big group.
• Feeling overwhelmed: When you hear others’ stories, it might bring up strong emotions or memories.
• Getting bad advice: Some tips or suggestions may not be safe, helpful or right for your situation.
• Setting boundaries: It may be hard to stay supportive without becoming too emotionally involved.
• Talking about difficult topics: It can feel scary to open up, especially around people you don’t know.

These groups aren’t the right fit for everyone. Individual therapy might be a better choice. And that’s OK. You can try one of these programs and step back if it doesn’t feel right, just like trying on a shirt in a fitting room. It’s about finding what works best for you.

How long do I need to be in a support group before I feel better?

There’s no exact amount of time that works for everyone. Some people start to feel better after just a few meetings. Others may need more time and regular sessions to reach their personal goals. Everyone is different.

Getting better takes time. It doesn’t happen all at once, like flipping a light switch. You’ll need to show up, keep trying and be patient with yourself. The best part about a support group is that you don’t have to do it alone. Other members are there to walk with you through the process.

Is there anything I can do to make support groups easier on me?

Joining a support group can feel like a big step. Here are some ways to make it a little easier:

• Focus on listening: This is one of the most important things you can do. You don’t always need to respond with words. A nod, eye contact or quiet body language can show others you care and are paying attention.
• Go at your own pace: You don’t have to share your story right away. Many people start by just listening until they feel ready to speak. There’s no rush.
• Keep an open mind: You might hear things you don’t agree with, and that’s OK. Support groups aren’t about who’s right or wrong. They’re about listening and understanding.
• Speak up: When you feel comfortable, try asking questions or saying things like, “I felt that way, too,” or “Thanks for sharing.” These small actions help you connect with others.
• Take care of yourself: If a session feels too overwhelming, it’s OK to step out or talk to the facilitator. You don’t need to push yourself just to seem strong. Your well-being comes first.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Support groups can be a helpful addition to your regular care, but they don’t take the place of medical treatment. If your symptoms get worse, especially in ways the group can’t help with, talk to your provider or a mental health professional right away.

Difficult topics might come up in conversation during sessions. If you ever have suicidal thoughts or are in a tough spot, call or text 988 (U.S.). This is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone is available to talk to you 24/7. If you’re in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

How do I find a support group?

If you’re thinking about joining a support group, a good first step is to talk to your primary care provider. They can connect you with options or refer you to someone who can help.

You can also try these tips:

• Checking with the place where you get care: Hospitals, clinics or counseling centers may offer support groups for patients or families.
• Looking into advocacy organizations: National or local groups that focus on certain health conditions or life challenges may offer meetings.
• Reaching out to local services: Community centers, schools, family service agencies or crisis lines may know about nearby groups.
• Contacting services that fit your needs: For example, veterans can reach out to the VA, and those needing mental health help can contact SAMHSA.