Here’s one important life lesson from the struggles of the past two years: being able to adapt to unprecedented times is an extremely valuable skill.
Sometimes perseverance means more than just pushing ahead through your troubles. The action of adapting to difficult circumstances may come in many shapes and sizes. Often, it may be as seemingly simple as asking for help.
Seeking support from the people around you is not an admission of weakness, but a bold and empowering decision in the name of self-care. Support groups are excellent resources for coping with life’s most profound challenges. Whether you’re a stressed-out new parent, taking care of an ill family member, or dealing with just about any other common problem, Meetup has a support group that will make sure you’re not going it alone.
How a support group can help with stressful life changes
One of the most difficult aspects of going through an unprecedented life change is that feeling of isolation. Even against your better judgment, you may think that nobody understands what’s happening to you. Support groups can quickly help you dismiss the illusion that you’re on your own. At the very least, a community of people who have gone (or are still going) through similar circumstances will prove that somebody out there knows what it’s like to be in your shoes.
In addition to that fundamental sense of empathy, the benefits of joining a support group include:
- Being able to open up about your experience — Support groups allow you to actively engage with your own story and your own feelings. Talking openly and honestly about your anxiety, fear, sadness, doubt, guilt, and so on helps you purge that damaging negative energy. This is a critical step in reducing the distress, depression, and fatigue that are making it so much harder to deal with your problems.
- Getting practical feedback and advice — In addition to the more interior and emotional benefits of a support group, you’ll also receive some specific real-world assistance. For example, if you’re in a support group for coping with a certain disease, fellow members can help you improve your understanding of your own illness and discuss treatment options with you. This contributes greatly to gaining back a sense of control and hope.
- Building meaningful connections that last — Shared struggles create some of the most powerful bonds. The people you meet in the context of your support group could easily transition into becoming true friends. Plus, those lasting connections can help you stay motivated to manage your challenges into the future and seek out ongoing support.
Different types of support groups you could join on Meetup
No matter what life throws your way, Meetup has a community of like-minded people who can help you maintain your wellbeing, including:
- Parenting support groups — You could join a group like the New York New Parents Meetup Group, organized by a practicing adult psychiatrist who has published a book on guidance for new and expecting parents. There are also groups like The Calm and Confident Mom in Berkeley, which focus on positive parenting skills for specific age groups (this one’s two through 12) and specific challenging behaviors.
- Addiction recovery support groups — If you’re looking for a strong foundation of support to help you begin your recovery journey, check out a group like the Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center Meetup in Chicago. This group of more than 400 members provides a judgment-free zone at “open” meetings which you can attend without future commitment. To maintain your sober lifestyle, there are plenty of groups like Sober and Active Houston Metroplex, which fosters a safe, supportive, physically active community for individuals who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.
- Mental health support groups — There are ample mental health resources on Meetup, from informal communities of new friends to groups that represent licensed clinics. If you’re just jumping in, check out Mental Health Workshops and Support Groups in Los Angeles or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami Dade Meetup. You can also seek support for specific demographics, like the Denver Queer POC Mental Health Meetup Group.
- Disease management support groups — Discover a group of people who understand the challenges of your condition or that of a loved one. For example, you could drop into an online event with MD Cancer Survivors & Caregivers with Self-Healing Meetup or the Cancer Survivor Self-Care Support Group. There’s also the Boulder Low Carb Diabetes Meetup, and groups for people dealing with all kinds of ailments.
- Grief support groups — You’re not alone. There are more than 66,000 members across 400+ Meetup groups sharing the experience of losing a loved one. Some of the most active include Grief & Belief: Experiencing Hope, Help, and Healing (organized by a licensed counselor), the Bereavement & Grief Support Group in London, The Austin GriefShare Group, and the Louisville Widows and Widowers Meetup.
How to start your own support group
You don’t have to be an expert to make a positive impact in people’s lives (including your own). You can be the spark that creates a powerful, uplifting change that leads to personal growth. If you can’t find a support group in your area, or you want to start a group with a specific focus that isn’t being addressed yet, you can easily create your own Meetup group.
Last modified on January 18, 2022
