Articles
Support groups: Make connections, get help
Understanding support groups
Support group red flags
Content
Structure of support groups
Benefits of support groups
Possible risks
Pros and cons of online support groups
How to find a support group
Questions to ask before joining a support group
Getting the most out of a support group
Possible risks
Support groups may have drawbacks, and effective groups generally depend on the facilitator to help steer away from these problems. These problems may include:
- Disruptive group members
- Conversation dominated by griping
- Lack of confidentiality
- Emotional entanglement, group tension or interpersonal conflicts
- Inappropriate or unsound medical advice
- Competitive comparisons of whose condition or experience is worse
