A Little Help from My Friends: Support Group Pros & Cons | Praise Podcast

If you've ever considered a support group, you are NOT alone! Here are a few things to consider when evaluating . . .

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00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 Wondering if a support group is right for you?

00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 Tune in for some pros and cons.

00:00:09 --> 00:00:18 Hello and welcome to MoMo634, the daily podcast chock full of faith-filled inspiration and motivation.

00:00:19 --> 00:00:23 MoMo634, motivational moments just for today.

00:00:41 --> 00:00:46 Are you needing a little something extra and wondering if a support group might help?

00:00:47 --> 00:00:49 Here are a few pros and cons to consider.

00:00:51 --> 00:00:51 Pro.

00:00:52 --> 00:00:57 Shared experiences help you realize you are not alone.

00:00:59 --> 00:01:10 Admitably, I've not been in a ton of support groups, but enough to know that there's often at least one person that tends to try to dominate the discussion.

00:01:11 --> 00:01:15 A good facilitator can offset this negative.

00:01:18 --> 00:01:30 If not outright free, a support group can be a much cheaper option than an individual therapist, MD or PsyD, or licensed clinical social worker.

00:01:33 --> 00:01:37 Sometimes support groups are staffed by licensed personnel.

00:01:37 --> 00:01:46 Sometimes they're run by people from within the group who have had classes in facilitation or been longtime members mentored by someone else.

00:01:47 --> 00:01:54 That's not necessarily a negative, but you may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.

00:01:55 --> 00:01:59 And sometimes there can be a lot of leader turnover.

00:02:01 --> 00:02:07 Genuine friendships can form and can help decrease feelings of isolation.

00:02:07 --> 00:02:12 Our many conversations about tribe allude to this.

00:02:15 --> 00:02:21 Because it's a group, depending on need and number of people, you may not get as much time to talk.

00:02:22 --> 00:02:27 It can be frustrating on a day when you were hoping for more talk time or additional support.

00:02:30 --> 00:02:39 There tend to be in-person or online groups anytime of the day or night and for almost any mental health topic under the sun.

00:02:40 --> 00:02:50 With an individual clinician, sometimes you can't get in as regularly as you would like or there isn't someone with the specific experience you need.

00:02:53 --> 00:03:03 It is self-help, so if you need medication or other rigorous support, a group won't be able to address those needs unless specifically noted.

00:03:06 --> 00:03:13 If you just need a little temporary support, some groups are drop-in and you can go for as little or as long as you need.

00:03:14 --> 00:03:22 Others are structured more like a series of classes, especially when newly diagnosed, and there may be a set number of meetings.

00:03:25 --> 00:03:31 The flip side to that is groups can be amorphous and people come and go, as do the leaders, as mentioned.

00:03:32 --> 00:03:40 If you are a person who gets attached or has difficulty with change, this is an important point to consider.

00:03:42 --> 00:03:48 Romans 12 15 says, Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

00:03:50 --> 00:03:51 I'm not a clinician.

00:03:51 --> 00:03:57 These have just been my impressions as an individual who has explored support groups over a period of time.

00:03:59 --> 00:04:07 Consider consulting your practitioner, advice nurse, or primary care provider for your particular situation.

00:04:09 --> 00:04:15 Our meme for today says, Sometimes we all need a little extra help, and that's okay.

00:04:17 --> 00:04:21 If you've been part of a support group, would you add anything to this list?

00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 Chime in under the comments.

00:04:28 --> 00:04:56 thanks for listening to MoMo634 motivational moments just for today if you enjoyed it please subscribe give it a like or review tell a friend and follow along on social media or your favorite podcast platform to have episodes mailed to you subscribe at momo634.substack.com to receive bonus episodes and support this podcast become a premium substack subscriber