Tag Archives: mental health support groups

Is Your Support Group Supportive (4)?

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Mental health support groups can be a vital part of recovery and acceptance of many mental illnesses. Most groups are a wonderful source of support and comfort, and knowing that others experience similar symptoms and feelings is a really important part of the recovery process. However, as we discussed in previous articles in this series, there can be negative aspects to these groups, of which all members should be on the alert for. Group saboteurs are common problem people in any group situation, but even more so in a mental health group, due to the sensitive nature of many participants. … Continue reading →

Is Your Support Group Supportive (3)?

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In previous articles we looked at problems caused by sexual relationships between members of the same mental health support group and also the destructive role of the group dominator. Today we look at the role of another very common factor in support groups: that of the group saboteur. The group saboteur comes in various guises, all of which are destructive. Ann had come to the group suffering from depression, but it soon became obvious that she had considerable problems other than depression. Problems that threatened the stability of the group. An accomplished academic, Ann liked to talk about her problems, … Continue reading →

Is Your Support Group Supportive (2)?

In our initial article on this topic, we looked at the benefits of support groups, in particular those groups for people suffering from common mental health ailments such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and mood disorders. We also looked at some of the more unhelpful aspects of these groups beginning with the problems that potentially occur when two members of the same group form a sexual relationship. The presence of a couple in the group alters the group dynamic, but the main damage occurs if the relationship breaks up. One or other of the group participants will find it difficult … Continue reading →

Is Your Support Group Supportive (1)?

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Many people participate in support groups for a number of different health conditions. For the most part they play an important role in the recovery or acceptance of that particular medical condition. The fact that there are so many support groups for the myriad of health ailments that plague us is a testament to their popularity and value. This is especially so when it comes to support groups for mental illness. Nothing beats the comfort of being able to talk freely about your depression, your anxiety disorder, your mood swings, or your irrational thoughts. Knowing that you are not alone … Continue reading →