In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help, usually nonprofessional and nonmaterial, for a particular shared, usually burdensome, characteristic. 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.

History

Formal support groups may appear to be a modern phenomenon, but they supplement traditional fraternal organizations such as Freemasonry in some respects, and may build on certain supportive functions (formerly) carried out in (extended) families.

Other types of groups formed to support causes, including causes outside of themselves, are more often called interest groups, advocacy groups, lobby groups, pressure groups or promotional groups. Trade unions and many environmental groups, for example, are interest groups. The term support group in this article refers to peer-to-peer support.

Maintaining contact

Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways. Traditionally, groups have met in person in sizes that allowed conversational interaction. Support groups also maintain contact through printed newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists. Some support groups are exclusively online (see below).

Membership in some support groups is formally controlled, with admission requirements and membership fees. Other groups are "open" and allow anyone to attend an advertised meeting, for example, or to participate in an online forum.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Wed Jul 8 01:27:39 2009

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Tue Jul 14 09:11:25 2009

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From Google Blog Search: "Support Groups"
Fri Jul 17 18:36:00 2009

Lawmakers Warned About Health Costs - Washington Post
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Lawmakers Warned About Health Costs

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Meanwhile, a growing number of physician groups are also objecting to the House package. Although the chief executive of the American Medical Association ...

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7/17: Good News & Bad News National Journal

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Can grassroots groups influence Grassley? - Iowa Independent
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Groups like MoveOn.org and Health Care for America Now, which support a public health insurance option, have been trying to pressure Grassley for months, ...



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From Google News Search: "Support Groups"
Sat Jul 18 21:06:42 2009

What are some Chicago support groups, organizations and resources on the mental illness, schizophrenia?
Q. Hello, everyone. I am doing a project on paranoid schizophrenia for my psychology class. I am researching support groups, organizations and other resources for paranoid schizophrenia. If you can list out any organizations, their websites, or any doctors dealing with this mental illness, please post a response! Thank you.
Asked by Strandedhero - Fri Feb 15 22:35:54 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Here's a good starting point... it should help you to find other resources as well:
Answered by Sage - Sat Feb 16 07:51:58 2008

Is there any online support groups for suicidal people?
Q. Hi there. I really need someone to talk to and I don't have anyone around me that I can do that with. I have looked online but can only find support groups for after suicide. Does anyone know if there's any support groups for suicidal people? Thanks so much
Asked by alysseq_86 - Mon Apr 21 17:43:22 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. i know it's just the hotline website, but it's important that you talk to someone and get it out-call them... If you're depressed and don't know why, you should talk to a doctor. And anyone who will listen. If you're going through something difficult or have been through something traumatic recently, try to find support groups or chat rooms that deal with the same sort of thing. Or just find a chat room and ignore anyone who is rude and try to find someone to talk to. if that's what makes you feel better. please don't hurt yourself. i personally had 3 people close to me commit suicide in one year, and it's devastating. You are loved, i'm sure of it.
Answered by boo_bug007 - Mon Apr 21 18:11:41 2008

where can I find listings of local support groups in my area?
Q. Im looking for support groups in missouri, north kansas city area for anxiety, depression, pregancy
Asked by Dana - Sat Apr 5 13:22:55 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Call your local health department (check your phone book or call the main city office), your local mental health office ( and/or your nearest public hospital. Also check your city's yellow pages under "mental health services.
Answered by Jayne says READ MORE BOOKS - Sat Apr 5 14:07:32 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Support Groups"
Sat Jul 18 14:05:44 2009

See also:

  • Matt Talbot RetreatsMatt Talbot Retreats
    matttalbotretreats.org
    A group of recovering alcoholics who find Matt Talbot spiritual retreats have helped them to practice the steps and achieve a greater degree of serenity and joy.
  • Getting Them SoberGetting Them Sober
    gettingthemsober.com
    Free videos and free reports, for recovering persons and health professionals; ongoing discussion bulletin board for support and to post seminars, job openings in health; free email newsletter.
  • Alcoholism Recovery ResourcesAlcoholism Recovery Resources
    angelfire.com
    A page of links to AA and Al-Anon resources. Includes chats, newsgroups, recovery software, gifts, and drunk humor.
Custom search only Support Groups sites:

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Wed Apr 1 13:12:39 2009