Once you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or living with someone who has it, you may be feeling confused and scared by this recent discovery. However, schizophrenia support groups build social support, provide resources, answer questions, and allow communication with others going through the same experiences. Schizophrenia support groups can offer you comfort, coping mechanisms, tips, and an opportunity to tell your stories in a safe environment.
The Purpose of a Schizophrenia Support Group
You may have close friends, family, or a medical professional who understands the idea of what you are going through, but they usually have not had your experiences firsthand. It helps to speak to people who have had shared experiences with you. Online schizophrenic support groups help people learn about schizophrenia and how to manage their symptoms. People in the support group will better understand how schizophrenia can affect your career, relationships, and more. A support group can give you a sense of community, help you feel less lonely or judged, reduce depression, and give you the strength to go forward in life.
Online Schizophrenia Support Groups Versus In-Person Support Groups
Online support groups make it possible to meet others without worrying about being surrounded by people during the COVID-19 pandemic. You also do not have to worry about transportation. While online support groups can be very convenient, people with schizophrenia need social exposure, daily tasks, and errands. You would be able to join these groups in the privacy of your home and can join as many as you want. Online support groups can also be helpful if you have physical issues in getting to an in-person group or a good group outside of your area.
Choosing the Best Option
To know which schizophrenia support group is the best pick for you, ask yourself a series of questions like where the groups meet, the time and length, and if they are accepting new members. You might feel you need more in-person meetings if virtual meetings are too much of a hassle for you and you need an in-person connection. If you are unsure, it is okay to research your options, ask questions, and try different sessions at different places before deciding to stay with a particular group. A support group will help you better understand your struggles with schizophrenia and help manage them.
Schizophrenia can be a very challenging mental illness to face all by yourself. Luckily, there are schizophrenia support groups out there that you have online access to. They will teach you all about schizophrenia and how to overcome the challenges that come with it. At Alta Loma, we specialize in diagnosis and treatment options for schizophrenia and are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, life and coping skills education, a comprehensive continuum of care, and much more. Give us a call at (866) 457-3843 to learn more about our services.
