The power of community support
JOBURG – A support group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or first-hand information about mental illness or self-help.
Community support comes in all different shapes and sizes.
This was according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) as it aims to shine a light on community support during Support Group Awareness Week from 25 to 30 January. The group sat down for a question-and-answer session with Support Group Leader Heiby Warren and Sadag Support Group Coordinator Krystle Kemp on 29 January.
According to Kemp a support group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or first-hand information about mental illness or self-help. “I think that this is multi-faceted; the beauty of a support group is that you are surrounded by people who have experienced similar things to you. So while they may be strangers they can relate to what you are going through better than perhaps a loved one who hasn’t had depression and may not understand how it feels, that you can’t simply look on the bright side.”
She added that in most cases when we share our experience with a loved one we have to hold their feeling as well as our own into account. Warren noted that there is a stigma around mental health often leaving people feeling isolated and alone. “The groups allow for one to see that they are not the only person dealing with challenges. Support groups offer support and one-on-one sessions are generally therapy.”
This is why it is important to distinguish the difference between support groups and therapy. Kemp added that although support groups can prove to be helpful in the long run, it would never be the first line of intervention if someone is struggling with their mental health. “We would always first recommend that they get help from a mental health practitioner so that they can get a diagnosis and/or the one-on-one help that they need. There are different types of support groups run by Sadag which include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse, unemployment, HIV/Aids and bipolar disorder.
Support groups foster an environment that:
- Gives you a voice and helps you to take control
- Creates a culture of equality
- Builds a common identity
- Is non-judgmental
- Works against isolation
- Allows the sharing of pain
- Provides information and referrals
“It is a place where people can share and support each other without the fear of stigma,” concluded Kemp.
Details: To locate a support group in your area or for more info, visit www.sadag.org
