While you’d probably like to think that you “got this,” there’s no shame in asking for help. Perhaps especially right now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has left people in the United States in unprecedented amounts of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty.
As many as 1 in 4 people living in the United States have reported experiencing anxiety or depression during the pandemic compared to a mere 1 in 10 before the pandemic in 2019. During difficult times such as these, it’s important to focus on the good things and to find support where we can. Check out these three groups you can turn to for social support within your community.
1. Professional Group Therapy
For a support group that is led by a trained psychologist, consider searching for “group therapy near me.” This way, you can meet people who are going through similar experiences while learning new life skills that can help you deal with the accompanying loneliness and anxiety that comes with living through specific life circumstances. An online therapy group is a great way to stay safe from the virus (you can attend the support group in the comfort of your own home via Zoom) while still getting the benefits of group therapy.
A 2019 article from Psychology Today noted many benefits of group therapy, such as less financial expense, learning from your peers as well as a mental health professional, building a community of support, and providing a safe environment for practicing coping skills. Online therapy groups can be a safe and more comfortable alternative to traditional group therapy. At the Therapy Group of DC, you’ll find mental health care for whatever mental health issue you’re dealing with from individual therapy to group therapy for a wide range of mental illnesses such as alcoholism, self-esteem issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and much more.
2. Your Local Church
In times of struggle, some find solace in their preferred place of worship. Oftentimes, local churches will offer support groups that get believers together who are going through similar issues to support each other. If it’s easier for you, maybe consider reaching out to a local church to see if they offer any Bible studies where you can meet some people first to get more comfortable with the materials they use and the people attending.
If you’ve started attending church services, consider shopping for church offering supplies for personalized envelopes that help keep your finances, good work, and generosity private. Cokesbury also has a wide selection of Bibles featuring the word of God in multiple different translations and children’s Bibles perfect for anyone to learn their Bible verses. They also sell accessories great for any worship service and books teaching the New Testament, the Old Testament, and multiple issues facing Christians today.
3. Specified Support Group
Let’s be honest—now that the pandemic has been going on for well over a year in the United States, nearly everyone is suffering from at least one or more mental health issues. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to find a support group that is specific to what you’re going through.
Maybe you’re dealing with a lack of compassion for people who don’t take the pandemic seriously? Maybe the fear, isolation, and stress have been too much, and you fell back into old behaviors associated with alcoholism, a different substance abuse problem, or sex addiction, and you need to find a 12-step program? Or maybe you’re just experiencing symptoms of depression and need a support group that understands?
Finding group members with similar problems in a support group can be the best place to find healing power, find new ways to avoid unhealthy behaviors, help you find resources for dealing with obstacles, and help you gain emotional support through a variety of issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, support groups allow people to share their own experiences, gain emotional support, and may help them gain better mental health.