Support groups provide a forum for open and honest communication among people connected by similar experiences. The solace of a support group can be invaluable for people dealing with mental health disorders.
Online support groups especially contribute to the healthy mental well-being by providing a refuge for those in need of support and encouragement during those difficult times.
Benefits of Support Groups
Coping with a mental disorder like OCD, HOCD, or bipolar disorder, can leave one feeling isolated or overly-stressed. However, the encouragement and assurance that can be found by support group members can assist in alleviating this stress and help you feel more in control of your life.
An open discourse of feelings and experiences can lead to indispensable knowledge of different coping strategies for these mental disorders. Each individual brings a different perspective to their experiences, and by sharing these perspectives, you can be inspired by others, as well as be the inspiration another needs.
Challenges such as finding the right therapist or medication can seem daunting without any input from people who have gone through the same situation. Being able to air you concerns, as well as hear other people's encouragement and advice, can assure you that they will never be alone through your struggles.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups, such as the OCD forum, the HOCD forum and the Bipolar forum on SupportGroups.com, are an easy and accessible way to receive the assistance you need without compromising your time or identity. Instead of having to schedule around your support group, you can instead utilize this service whenever needed. For example, a question or discussion thread can be started in the middle of the night, instead of you having to wait until the next support group meeting.
It can be tricky and uncomfortable at times to be open and honest in front of strangers. Online, however, you are able to choose to be anonymous and share only the details of your life which you wish to reveal. This confidentiality, which is highly encouraged in all online support group forums, allows for an open discussion without any semblance of embarrassment or fear. This way, you can receive the knowledge you need without feeling scared or vulnerable.
What You Need to Know
Online support groups differ from group therapy because they is not trained mental healthcare associate as a guide. Instead, support groups provide a secure forum for sharing tips, thoughts, and experiences.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD
