Support Groups

Support groups can provide an opportunity for people to meet others impacted by depression and related issues in order to share experiences, issues, advice, support, and knowledge in a safe, intimate, and confidential environment.  

Support group meetings vary in numbers (from a few to a dozen people) and in the type of content discussed.  Some support groups welcome people from a diverse background of mental illness and go through a variety of specific and general issues related to mental health. Other support groups are intended for the discussion of specific areas of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder or postnatal depression.  There are also support groups catered for carers of people with mental illness such as family and friends.

Generally, support groups provide a safe, inexpensive, and accessible source of information and support.  Many support groups, particularly those organised by community or church groups, require a small cost for participation, do not require long term commitments, and welcome anyone in the community.  There are, however, professional support groups usually operated by healthcare professionals and these require higher fees and a more formal participation process.  

While people can use them for different reasons, support groups tend to present themselves as either a discussion group or a therapeutic group.  Discussion groups are usually less structured in format and allow general discussion of topics raised by participants, which for many can be a very therapeutic process.  On the other hand, therapy orientated groups often offer a more structured program of activities intended to develop better mental health outcomes in participants over a number of sessions. Regardless of the type, all support groups are usually facilitated by a trained person with experience in counselling, psychology or mental health.  

Before attending a support group, it is often recommended that you contact the facilitator or organiser of the group to find out whether the group is available and suitable for you.