Healing Through Forgiveness

3 Benefits Of Joining An Online Peer Support Group

18 October 2019 by Kurt Garrett

If you are going through something challenging, you may want to consider joining an online peer support group. An online peer support group is formed around individuals who are facing a common issue, such as battling a particular addiction or dealing with a specific type of medical condition or life situation. The idea is to have people who are going through or who have gone through a similar experience around for you to talk, connect with, and support. There are lots of benefits of joining a peer support group. 

Peer Support Group Benefit #1: Decrease Feelings of Isolation 

When you are going through something that everyone else in your life isn't going through, it can be challenging to feel supported, even if others care about you. Joining a support group comprised of individuals who are going through the same thing can help you deal with feelings of being isolated or lonely because of the condition you have or the experience you have been through. Knowing that others are dealing with the same thing, and that you are not the only one in that type of position, can help you deal with feelings of isolation and instead build a sense of community. 

Peer Support Group Benefit #2: Talk Openly 

When you are going through something that is different than what the other people in your life are experiencing, you may feel like you can't talk openly about what you are going through. In a peer support group, where other people are going through the same thing, you may feel more comfortable talking openly about what you are going through. For example, it can be easier to talk to others about the pains of your cancer treatment with people who can empathize and understand what you are going through via the first-person experience. 

Peer Support Group Benefit #3: Get Information About Treatment & Resources 

Finally, connecting with an online peer support group can help connect you with treatments and resources that you may not otherwise connect with. For example, if you are dealing with cancer, you may learn about clinical trails that you may not otherwise have learned about, or you may learn about financial resources to help you as you battle your cancer. When you participate in a peer support group, you are able to connect with others who are working through the same issue, and who can connect you with treatment and resources that could be helpful in your journey as well. 

If you are dealing with a unique circumstance or condition, connecting with a peer support group can be helpful. A peer support group can decrease feelings of isolation, help you talk openly about what you are going through, and help connect you with treatments and resources. For more information, contact counseling services in your area.

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