There are many different examples of self help groups. You can find groups to help when you have quit smoking, or to keep you from using drugs or alcohol. There are groups that are there to stand by you when you are dealing with personal issues, abuse, a death in the family, or even when you are no longer in a relationship. There are also groups that are there for people who have, or are taking care of someone with an illness, disease, or disorder. For one example, there are many different kinds of self help support groups for people who are taking care of someone with Autism. These are made up of people who are in the same care giving status as you are, who are there to try to figure out better ways of taking care of their loved ones, or just to be there when times are tough.
A self help group is more than two people coming together for a common goal, whether it is to help each other cope with the daily stress of staying away from some addiction, to provide information and support to others in the same situation. These groups are for the members, as well as run by the members, because who better to know and understand what you are going through than some one else who has been there?
While you alone are the one who can help yourself get better, or cope, you can’t do it by yourself. This is a basic way these self help groups and organizations help. When you are facing your problems on your own, you sometimes feel helpless, feeling that there is nobody else that knows what you’re going through, even if you know deep down this isn’t true. While you may be smart, and able to use your own resources, it is always nice to have people around you who can give you a fresh perspective. Not only this, but there is strength and camaraderie when you have others around you.
Some people ask well what is the cost of these groups? These groups are totally free, and usually held at someone’s house or even a community center. You don’t have to pay for anything if you don’t want too, but bringing the coffee or snacks once in awhile is always appreciated. The important thing is that you join up with one of these groups.
You can find out much more about self help groups online. The problems with some of these groups is that they may be too far away, or held at a time when it is inconvenient for you. If this is the case, you can form a sister group that meets at a closer location, or time. You can get information about these groups, who in some cases have packets on what they are, what they do, and how you can get started with your own group.
There are numerous resources for just about any kind of self help resource group you may want to start or join. You can find out more information through mental health centers, doctor’s offices, and even on bulletin boards where you live. You can go online, even at the public library and search for groups and resources over the internet.