Support Groups
Many people find that ongoing support from others with similar problems and life experiences is incredibly helpful in their fight against depression. After all, who can provide better guidance than someone who's been there? Group participation can help to decrease isolation, for many a vital factor in the struggle against depression.
Strength in Diversity
Today, support groups exist to accommodate virtually every problem, need, lifestyle and belief system. A variety of support groups serve people with specific medical conditions and their family members. For example, breast cancer, brain injury, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, to name a few. Some of the better known support groups are focused on helping people to recover from addiction (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) as well as for family members of addicts (Al-Anon). Finally, there are support groups serving a diversity of needs: codependency, parenting, caring for aging parents, grief and bereavement, divorce support, men's groups, women's groups, church and synagogue groups, and many, many more.
These groups meet on varying schedules. Unlike group therapy, support groups are not led by a therapist, though they may have a professional adviser.
Getting Started
In general, you can find and join a support group on your own. A mental health professional may be able to help you identify which support group best meets your needs. A search on the Internet or scan of your local phonebook can help point you toward the group you need.
If you suffer from moderate to severe depression, it is wise to keep your doctor or therapist informed of any decisions related to your mental health.
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