5 Reasons to go to Peer Support Groups

I never imagined myself going to peer support groups. When I originally heard about it I had a lot of negative thoughts – it’s for crazy people, for people who just want to complain and have others listen, it’s going to be extremely triggering and never going to help me. But, I’m now happy to say I was very wrong.

Peer support groups can provide many benefits and are the perfect place to connect with others, especially when we’re still in this “covid normal.” So here’s 5 reasons you should go to peer support group too.

1.It’s a group of people you can relate to

Dealing with mental illness, mental health or any addictions issues, whether you’re the person going through them or the support person, can be very challenging and much of the times isolating. There are many different groups you can attend for specific illnesses or skill learning that you want to focus on which allows you to share and relate to others.

2. Learn how other people deal with similar problems

Once you find a group that’s right for you – for me this is a group for depression and anxiety – you’re able to share what’s going on each week in your life to celebrate successes and relate in your challenges as well as hear what other people have done in situations similar to yours. Often group sessions say they aren’t there for advice (for liability reasons) but I find I get so many nuggets of important information and recommendations out of them. Each session we are able to “check in” about the past week which allows us to get to know each other and learn more about how someone else in a situation similar to ours would handle it.

3. It can help tie you over until your next therapy appointment

If you’re looking for more support between therapy sessions, I find that peer support groups can offer that. Although you don’t get the one-on-one work that therapy gives you, it provides you the ability to open up and share. Therapy is expensive so I’m very grateful that this helps me to feel supported enough to be able to spread out my sessions.

4. Can help you realize you’re not alone

Never have I related to people more! To have a space to go to where everyone understands the tough times, celebrates the positive and realizes how big something as small as getting your dishes done is, is just the greatest feeling.

5. Its FREE! (Lets talk resources)

There are so many groups you can take part in that are free and right now, most are virtual! I put together this list of organizations with the support of one of the groups I attended. Please take a look at their sites and calendars to find the best group for you! I personally find the Self Help groups through the Canadian Mental Health Association very helpful as well as sessions through Hope & Me.

Since most of these are virtual, I’ve even had friends (they don’t know we’re friends yet ;)) from the US join in on them too, so if you’re from the states, don’t let these Canadian sites hold you back, join in anyways!

I would recommend going to two sessions before writing off a group, but also, if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are so many more you can try! Take a look at these organizations and see if you can find something that suits you:

I hope you can find a session you enjoy going to, and if you can, get yourself there on a weekly basis!

Reminder, if you’re in crisis
Call: Crisis Services Hotline available 24/7: 1-844-437-3247 OR 911
Text: 45645, 4 PM – 12 AM ET
Go to the hospital nearest you

xo Meg