What Is the Definition of a Support Group?

If you've ever dealt with a tough problem in your life, you know how helpful it can be to know you're not alone. Support groups can bring individuals with problems together, providing valuable social support, along with the information to solve or ease their problems.

Identification

• Support groups are made up of individuals who have an experience in common, such as a medical or psychiatric condition or a shared life experience. These individuals meet, in person or through a facilitator, to provide information and emotional support.

Types

• A peer-supported or self-help support group is made up of and managed by its members. A professional support group is led by a professional, such as a social worker, psychiatrist or clergy member.

Contact

• Support groups can have several means of contact. Face-to-face contact through regular meetings, is common, but members can also stay in touch through newsletters and emails.

Internet

• With the spectacular rise in the amount of Internet users in the past decade, Internet support groups have become popular, allowing people from all over the world to connect. However, it is a bit harder to distinguish the real identity of members while online.

Etiquette

• As a member of a support group, you can help keep the group running smoothly by attending or contributing regularly, listening to other members' problems without interrupting, volunteering for any tasks that need to be done, and keeping discussions confidential (this is especially important for groups that meet face to face).