17/07/2025
What is a Support Group?
A support group is a meeting of people who share a common experience, situation, or diagnosis, either in person or online.
This is a non-judgemental space where you get to share your personal experiences with a group of people who really GET it. There is a magic that happens when you feel heard, when you connect with people who understand.
Sometimes we are so busy trying to solve our problems that we don’t allow ourselves the time to take a breath, a pause, a moment to connect with others who have been where we are. They don’t need to solve the problem—in fact, it’s important that they don’t, because the problem is not theirs to solve. So what do the group members offer?
Encouragement, personal experiences, ideas, resources, connection, compassion, networking, empowerment, and so much more.
A support group is not therapy, but it can be extremely therapeutic. A support group can give you a sense of safety, a community, and the courage to try new things.
Have you ever been part of a support group? What was the experience like for you? If you haven’t, what’s stopping you? People often report the fear of judgement, or that they aren’t comfortable sharing in a group. This often stems from moments where you’ve opened up before to friends and family, and they responded with advice or with the baggage that is inherent in these relationships. The beauty of a support group is that 1) they are baggage-free, and 2) you can even just listen to other members until you feel comfortable enough to share your story
So if you are going through a rough patch, a life transition, difficult relationships, a diagnosis that you’re trying to wrap your head around—literally any challenge that’s leaving you feeling alone—please consider joining a support group. The only thing you might lose is an hour of your time, with exponentially more to gain!
Make the investment in your mental health today by visiting SADAG.org and finding the perfect support group for you!
