- Getting practical feedback and advice \u2014 <\/strong>In addition to the more interior and emotional benefits of a support group, you\u2019ll also receive some specific real-world assistance. For example, if you\u2019re 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. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Building meaningful connections that last \u2014 <\/strong>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. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/two-friends-talking_meetup-support-groups-1120x630.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDifferent types of support groups you could join on Meetup <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter what life throws your way, Meetup has a community of like-minded people who can help you maintain your wellbeing, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Parenting support groups \u2014 <\/strong>You could join a group like the New York New Parents Meetup Group<\/a>, 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<\/a> in Berkeley, which focus on positive parenting skills for specific age groups (this one\u2019s two through 12) and specific challenging behaviors. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Addiction recovery support groups \u2014 <\/strong>If you\u2019re 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<\/a> in Chicago. This group of more than 400 members provides a judgment-free zone at \u201copen\u201d meetings which you can attend without future commitment. To maintain your sober lifestyle, there are plenty of groups like Sober and Active Houston Metroplex<\/a>, which fosters a safe, supportive, physically active community for individuals who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mental health support groups \u2014 <\/strong>There are ample mental health resources on Meetup, from informal communities of new friends to groups that represent licensed clinics. If you\u2019re just jumping in, check out Mental Health Workshops and Support Groups<\/a> in Los Angeles or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami Dade Meetup<\/a>. You can also seek support for specific demographics, like the Denver Queer POC Mental Health Meetup Group<\/a>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Disease management support groups \u2014 <\/strong>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<\/a> or the Cancer Survivor Self-Care Support Group<\/a>. There\u2019s also the Boulder Low Carb Diabetes Meetup<\/a>, and groups for people dealing with all kinds of ailments. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Grief support groups \u2014 <\/strong>You\u2019re 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<\/a> (organized by a licensed counselor), the Bereavement & Grief Support Group<\/a> in London, The Austin GriefShare Group<\/a>, and the Louisville Widows and Widowers Meetup<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to start your own support group <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Grief support groups \u2014 <\/strong>You\u2019re 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<\/a> (organized by a licensed counselor), the Bereavement & Grief Support Group<\/a> in London, The Austin GriefShare Group<\/a>, and the Louisville Widows and Widowers Meetup<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Disease management support groups \u2014 <\/strong>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<\/a> or the Cancer Survivor Self-Care Support Group<\/a>. There\u2019s also the Boulder Low Carb Diabetes Meetup<\/a>, and groups for people dealing with all kinds of ailments. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mental health support groups \u2014 <\/strong>There are ample mental health resources on Meetup, from informal communities of new friends to groups that represent licensed clinics. If you\u2019re just jumping in, check out Mental Health Workshops and Support Groups<\/a> in Los Angeles or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami Dade Meetup<\/a>. You can also seek support for specific demographics, like the Denver Queer POC Mental Health Meetup Group<\/a>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Addiction recovery support groups \u2014 <\/strong>If you\u2019re 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<\/a> in Chicago. This group of more than 400 members provides a judgment-free zone at \u201copen\u201d meetings which you can attend without future commitment. To maintain your sober lifestyle, there are plenty of groups like Sober and Active Houston Metroplex<\/a>, which fosters a safe, supportive, physically active community for individuals who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Parenting support groups \u2014 <\/strong>You could join a group like the New York New Parents Meetup Group<\/a>, 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<\/a> in Berkeley, which focus on positive parenting skills for specific age groups (this one\u2019s two through 12) and specific challenging behaviors. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Building meaningful connections that last \u2014 <\/strong>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. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n