Wuesthoff Support Groups

Support Groups: A Helping Hand from People Who Know

Think back for a moment to your childhood. Remember that special friend you trusted with all your thoughts and feelings? The one you believed could understand you better than anyone? That special bond you and your friend shared grew out of common life experiences. You could relate to each other's joys and frustrations because you were traveling similar paths in life. In many ways, the special bond you shared with your childhood friend resembles the bond shared between members of a support group – an organized group of individuals who face common life challenges.

Support Groups give members a safe environment where they can express feelings outside of their natural support system of family and friends. Often the most a well-meaning family member or friend can say is that they understand your pain. However, fellow support group members can honestly say they know your pain. The communication that takes place in a support group helps members combat feelings of isolation and gives them a sense of shared experience and belonging.

Support groups also instill hope and provide positive reinforcement. Members have the opportunity to see how others have dealt successfully with a similar situation. This opens the door to new options and helps them gauge their own progress.

Take the First Step

Despite the many benefits of support groups, people often let fear stand in the way of their participation. Going into a support group CAN be a bit scary and awkward, but it's important to give it a chance. Once you've attended a few support group meetings, you can decide whether the group is right for you, and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I believe this group is going to give me support?
  • Am I understood by these group members in a way I'm not understood by my family or friends?
  • Am I able to contribute anything to this group?
  • Do I believe my problems are being reduced by being in this group?

Wuesthoff lends a hand

Wuesthoff Health System offers a variety of support groups to help our friends and neighbors. For more information on any of the following support groups, call the contact number listed below.