Updated on November 11, 2024
Mental health has become one of the most important topics in the world we live in. Over the years, emphasis has been placed on prioritising one’s mental health and that of others. This is mainly because the effects of neglecting mental health can be devastating.
In the different conversations about prioritising mental health, there are various suggested ways to help and improve one’s mental health, such as therapy, journaling, meditation, support groups, etc.
Attending a support group is one of the more popular options as it’s a huge step towards healing and improving mental health.
Support Groups are gatherings of people facing the same problems or experiences that affect their mental health. It’s an opportunity for people from different backgrounds, interests, and personalities to share their experiences, feelings, and coping strategies.
Why is it important to support people with mental health?
Mental health is just as important as physical health to a person’s quality of life and well-being. Mental health issues can cause problems of varying degrees in different parts of a person’s life, including work, education, personal relationships and personal development.
Supporting people with mental health reduces the stigma which often prevents people from seeking help in the first place.
Mental health support also provides a safe space to help people be more vulnerable, express their feelings and emotions, and receive empathy.
Providing a support system for mental health helps reduce loneliness and isolation, which can also increase the likelihood of health issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety and many more.
A mental health support group is one of the ways to provide this mental health support system for people.
How does a support group work?
Support groups generally involve people sharing their experiences by choice, as no one is forced to do so if they are uncomfortable. A support group can be physical or online.
Different types of support groups include mutual support groups, which are peer-led, condition-specific support groups, therapy groups or group therapy, with a mental health professional leading the group and 12-step self-help groups which focus on addiction.
5 Key benefits of group therapy in mental health
Group therapy is a type of therapy that has one therapist, sometimes more, talking to more than one person simultaneously. Group therapy can either be attended alone or in addition to individual therapy.
There are different types based on the condition to be addressed: interpersonal groups, support groups, social skill development groups, cognitive behavioural groups, etc.
Here are five benefits of group therapy, especially for mental health:
- Providing safety and support: The group therapy setting makes people feel safe enough to emulate other participants by sharing their experiences and feelings to receive support and encouragement, helping their mental health with each visit.
- Relatability: With mental health problems, it is easy for individuals to believe they are alone in the issues they face. Growth therapy offers the experience of realising that different people are struggling with the same problems, making them feel seen and supported. Seeing people who have also gone through the same problem and have made progress, no matter how small motivates them to keep going.
- Accountability: Attending group therapy makes an individual not only accountable to the licensed therapist but also to the other members of the group. Wanting to grow, like the other group members, can be a great form of accountability only obtained from group therapy.
- Self-discovery: One of the major goals of therapy is learning new things about oneself, and group therapy also provides that. Interactions with group members during these sessions help individuals see blind spots and things that could be the root cause of the problem.
- Exposure: Group therapy exposes members to other members’ different views, beliefs and thoughts, which may inform or shape a new perspective. Being exposed to the behaviours and thoughts of group members, especially those who have worked positively, gives members a new approach to mental health issues.
Examples of some support groups for depression in Australia
Some of the support groups for depression in Australia include:
- GROW – Support groups in Western Australia based on a 12-step self-help program for people suffering from anxiety or depression.
- Wayahead– Provides support groups, physical and online, for people with anxiety. It is also open to relatives, spouses and carers of these individuals.
- Mental Health Foundation, Australia (MHFA)– Provides support groups all over Australia for participants with different mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
- Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC)– Provides support groups with a confidential environment to help with anxiety and depression.
How to set up a mental health support group
- Choose the area the support group would address. It can be anxiety and depression, living with chronic illnesses, addictions or even a more general approach.
- Determine the demographics of people in the support group based on the chosen area.
- Select a facilitator: They must be well-versed in mental health and related topics. They would lead the group discussions, so they should have the skills required of a support group facilitator, such as empathy, discipline, patience, etc.
- Determine structure: This includes the time and mode of meetings, whether physical or online, and meeting ground rules like respect, confidentiality, meeting agenda, etc.
- Put the word out: Let people in the target demographic know a support group exists for them.
How can a support worker help someone with anxiety?
A support worker can help someone with anxiety by:
- Actively listening to them, with no judgment, when they are being vulnerable and expressing their feelings.
- Providing help with day-to-day tasks to show and teach them how to do it while helping them live better.
- Providing emotional support through empathy, understanding and compassion while offering support.
- Teaching and encouraging relaxation and coping techniques, sometimes alongside the person.
- Providing physical support and presence in triggering situations.
How can helping others help your mental health?
Helping others with mental health challenges can:
- boost your self-esteem and confidence, giving you a sense of pride.
- help you build stronger human connections, strengthening bonds with people you’ve helped.
Conclusion
Mental health support groups provide an avenue for people with different mental health conditions to meet and relate with people with similar challenges and learn from them. The confidentiality and togetherness of mental health support groups make it a safe space for individuals to be vulnerable. Support groups and group therapy are indeed a great way to provide support for mental health.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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