Joining a support group: my lived experience
Unfortunately, there comes a time when we find ourselves grappling with our problems all alone. We attempt to tackle them independently, but as distress mounts, we may (or may not) turn to our close friends or family for assistance. While seeking solace in their presence can provide temporary relief, often those around us struggle to fully grasp our experiences.
But fear not, for support groups offer a remedy for this sense of isolation. They provide a space where individuals can share personal stories, express their emotions, and forge connections. It's truly astonishing how much healing and growth can occur when people come together and simply lend an ear.
Now, let's explore the various types of support groups you can engage with, all with their own unique charm (this of course, is not an exhaustive list:
Social Support Groups: These gatherings revolve around the notion that misery loves company. After all, who better to commiserate with than your peers? In social support groups I've been a part of, they've offered everything from shared meals and friendly conversations to engaging in art projects, musical endeavours, and leisurely distractions.
Peer Support: Peer support groups focus on fostering camaraderie and gaining insights from those who have faced similar struggles. Conversations in these groups often revolve around sharing advice, suggestions, or simply providing the reassurance that you're not alone in your experiences.
Therapeutic Groups: For those seeking more structured and facilitated assistance, therapeutic groups are an ideal choice. These groups aim to help you put your experiences into perspective and offer guidance on your path to recovery.
Benefits of Support Groups
Increased self-understanding: By sharing your experiences and listening to others, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your journey.
Much-needed social interaction: Support groups provide an opportunity for meaningful social connections, combating the loneliness that often accompanies personal struggles.
Motivation for recovery: Being surrounded by individuals who are also striving for betterment can serve as a powerful motivator on your path to recovery.
Reconceptualisation of recovery: Support groups can help you reshape your perspective on recovery, offering new insights and alternative paths.
Growth through shared experiences: The ability to relate to others and learn from their experiences fosters personal growth and resilience.
Reduced judgment: Within the supportive environment of a group, you can feel less judged and more accepted for who you are.
So what is it actually like to join, and more importantly participate, in a support group?
I created the mural so it would be a reflection of the snake exploding into butterflies from both the ME! and You Need to Calm Down music videos
Initially, I must admit, it felt intimidating, daunting, and downright scary. However, my first support group experience proved to be a turning point. I discovered that I felt more at ease opening up to my peers than confiding in professionals. Over time, I learned the art of being open and honest about my conditions, while also remaining engaged in the necessary services that contribute to my healing.
Throughout this year, I have immersed myself in a plethora of support groups as I made a dedicated commitment to my recovery. While I had always been part of online groups, this year I branched out into attending social groups, therapeutic groups, and ongoing peer support. Each group offered distinct experiences for diverse reasons. Today, I want to share the highlights of my most recent support group:
The connection between recovery and butterflies: It's fascinating how we can find inspiration and hope in the delicate transformation of butterflies, mirroring our own journey of growth and renewal. This was particularly important as we did a group art project creating a butterfly mural. I also adopted this mural for my own home (of which I have kept many art projects from various groups) as a source of hope and motivation for recovery.
A fantastic opportunity to share stories and life moments with new people: Engaging with fellow group members, exchanging stories and experiences, created a sense of camaraderie and understanding that I treasure.