What is a Support Group?

Treatment

A battle with mental health doesn’t have to be a solo fight. Those living with a mental health condition can find community and healing through support groups. There are many opportunities available to those who are uninsured or underinsured at Valley Oaks Health.

The definition

Support groups are regularly scheduled meetings led by mental health professionals focused on specific topics. These groups allow those struggling with certain mental health conditions or negative experiences to build community, find acceptance, and feel supported.

The uses

Support groups can focus on numerous topics including:

The impact

Joining a support group can have many benefits including:

Reduced feelings of loneliness, isolation, or shame
Reduced stress, depression, or anxiety
Opportunities to talk honestly about feelings and experiences
Coping skills tailored to specific conditions
Sense of empowerment, control, and hope

Members of a support group work together to change thinking patterns, better understand their condition or situation, and develop greater confidence in themselves while building community.

April 26, 2021

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

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Self-Care

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches, pains, or discomforts that show up in the body. But the mind and body are linked, leading physical symptoms to sometimes be early indicators of underlying mental health issues.

Beyond the Gym: How Physical Health Impacts Your Mental Wellbeing

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Self-Care

When it comes to health, we often separate physical health from mental health. We see them as different sides of the same coin, assuming one doesn’t affect the other. But in reality, they’re still on the same coin.

Understanding Decision Fatigue: How Too Many Choices Affect Mental Health

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Conditions

In today’s fast-paced world, we're constantly making decisions—big and small. From selecting what to wear to choosing what to eat, decisions can become a looming presence in our daily lives. However, while choice is often considered freedom, too many decisions can wear us down.

In today’s fast-paced world, emotional intelligence has emerged as a key aspect of personal and …