Is Your Support Group Supportive (1)?

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

07 Apr 2008 03:25 PM

Many people participate in support groups for a number of different health conditions. For the most part they play an important role in the recovery or acceptance of that particular medical condition. The fact that there are so many support groups for the myriad of health ailments that plague us is a testament to their popularity and value.

This is especially so when it comes to support groups for mental illness. Nothing beats the comfort of being able to talk freely about your depression, your anxiety disorder, your mood swings, or your irrational thoughts. Knowing that you are not alone in your disorder can bring a peace of mind that not even the kindest friend or family member can supply. The realization that "I am not alone" is so powerful that it often signals the beginnings of the recovery process.

I often encourage my clients to join support groups knowing that these groups supply an ongoing form of support that every sufferer from mental illness can benefit from. However, these groups can cause problems in some circumstances, and occasionally actually add to the stress load of the participants. Let's have a look at some real examples of problem group dynamics.

The first group problem scenario that springs to mind is when one member develops sexual feelings towards another and acts on those feelings. Although the attraction may be mutual, dating a person in your support group is the mental health equivalent of dating someone in the office. Only with the potential for greater fallout. When it all goes wrong, one of the members inevitably has to leave the group. However, because both parties are emotionally fragile, this scenario can be devastating because the resulting heartache can result in a setback in recovery or even another breakdown. This is the last thing a recovering person needs.

Thus it is important not to act on sexual attractions within the group until such time as one or both participants have left the group. Group leaders need to keep a look out for such behavior and, while they have no power to stop the relationship developing, some cautionary words or a suggestion to attend different groups is in order. This is where strong group leadership is so important.

Next blog in the series: Problem group members.

Contact Beth McHugh for further information regarding this issue.

Related articles:

Is Your Support Group Supportive? (2)

Is Your Support Group Supportive? (3)

Is Your Support Group Supportive? (4)

Recovery from a Breakdown (1)

Recovery from a Breakdown (2)

Recovery from a Breakdown (3)

Recovery from a Breakdown (4)

Recovery from a Breakdown (5)

Recovery from a Breakdown (6)

Recovery from a Breakdown (7)

Recovery from a Breakdown (8)

Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger