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Support groups
provide information and support for those experiencing grief and depression, and act as a “clearing-house” for those going through similar experiences. For temporary conditions, such as bereavement, a support group may veer more towards helping those involved to overcome and move beyond their condition. Members provide each other with various types of help, for a particular shared, burdensome experience. Members and help is usually nonprofessional, although a trained professional may facilitate the group. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.
Support groups are not just for grief and depression. There are support groups available for just about any type of ailment. Some of the more common support groups include:
Addiction
AIDS
Alzheimer’s
Alcoholics Anonymous
Anxiety disorders
Cancer
Divorce
Eating disorders
Gamblers Anonymous
Infertility
Mood Disorders
Overeaters Anonymous
Panic Attacks
Parents of suicide victims
Sexual abuse victims
Stroke victims
Suicide prevention
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, get help immediately by calling:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
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