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Support Group vs. A well-known example of a support group isAlcoholics Anonymous(AA).
There are also support groups for life transitions and other hardships.
There are support groups for adults, teens, and even children, or children and adults together.
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Support groups are generally characterized by the issues they focus on and the people they support.
Regardless of the focus or population, support groups help members who have something in common.
Meetings and Communication
Support groups may meet in person or online using video meeting platforms.
Online meetings may be less personal, and in-person meetings may be less convenient.
The content is generally somewhat structured and may be a specific program.
Leaders may teach skills or provide information about coping.
How to Prepare
Preparing for a support group starts with choosing a support group.
It is important to ask questions before joining.
Social support helps members to more easily overcome and better cope with their shared challenges.
This is especially true when feeling alone or like you’re the only one in that situation.
It can be especially helpful to have the support of others who share the same or similar challenges.
This option does not take the place of a mental health professional.
American Psychological Association.Support group.
Kurtz LF.Support and self-help groups.
In: Garvin CD, Gutierrez LM, Galinsky MJ, eds.Handbook of social work with groups.2nd ed.
The Guilford Press; 2017:155170.
Mayo Clinic.Support groups: Make connections, get help.
American Addiction Centers.Pros and cons of online support groups.
