Whether it’s a group of peers, or loved ones gathering in regards to the addiction, mental illness or death of a loved one, support groups are one of the best options for recovery. And yes, even the loved ones need recovery.
Some people think support groups are a bunch of tree-hugging hippies, wearing robes, singing kumbaya while swaying back and forth holding hands. Many people struggle for years, yet resist attending a support group. Excuses range from, “It takes too much time” to “They’ll not be my kind of people.”
I have a news flash for you. There will be a lot of people there like you. And people there that are unlike you. These issues go on in families of all kinds and simply because they are means there are commonalities.
A support group is where you get the latest information on recovery options, behavioral health professionals, and how to communicate and establish boundaries. It was the only way my husband and I were able to find our way to presenting a unified front which is crucial to managing a child with mental illness and addiction and staying sane.
Suffering alone is isolating. Being together with a group experiencing the same issue provides the connection that helps you make informed decisions and maintain your sanity.
As a facilitator of a NAMI family support group, I feel my role is one of sometimes giving hope to others. Sometimes when I’m not in the best place and feeling overwhelmed, I get hope from others. It’s all about giving and receiving hope and if I have that I can deal with anything!
Beautifully said. It is where I found hope and healing.