Conquering Loneliness and Depression With a Support Group

Never in my life had I felt so alone than when I was battling a depressive episode, and believe me there were many of them. Even when I had to go out in public my thoughts and emotions were continuously in turmoil. My mind was imprisoned by despair, yet life continued all around me. I was stuck in a vicious psychological cycle. The isolation created more depression and the depression intensified the isolation. Have you ever felt like that?

Psychotherapy and medication is the standard treatment for clinical depression. Although effective, both can take a significant amount of time to reduce your depressive symptoms. Depending on the individual, psychotherapy may take months or even years. Most antidepressants take at least 5 weeks to be fully effective. Sometimes a person might have to try several different types of medication before the right one is found.

There is no doubt that the standard treatment takes time. The good news is that by finding the right support group you do not have to wait for what might seem like an eternity to break thru that psychological cycle of intense loneliness and depression.

A support group consists of a mix of people who share a common concern, in this case, clinical depression. A support group is different from group therapy. Group therapy is one example of mental health treatment lead by a licensed therapist. A support group can be led by a lay person who either has depression or is interested in the mood disorder. In some cases support groups may be started by non profit organization, advocacy centers, mental health clinics, or other organizations.

Being part of a support group will help you to:

1. Alleviate negative feelings - The very nature of the support group will help you feel less isolated and alone. You will meet people who also deal with depression or other mental health issues and are kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental. They will offer you emotional support in a safe, secure and welcoming environment.

2. Gain a sense of empowerment and control - You will learn different types of coping skills that you'll need to deal with your depressive episodes enabling you to take back some control over your depression.

3. Talk about your feelings - Most people who suffer from depression inevitably want and need someone to talk to. A support group is an ideal venue where people can talk about there feelings without fear of being judged. That dynamic in itself has proven to be extremely therapeutic.

4. Learn about treatment options - Besides the standard treatment of psychotherapy and medication, you will also learn about various alternative and complimentary treatments. This allows you the opportunity to have some say into what that treatment might be. Just a word of caution at this point. Never try and second guess your therapist or doctor by changing treatment on your own. However, you are always free to question your doctor or to get a second or even a third opinion regarding your treatment plan.

5. Gain insight into recovery - Being symptom free is only the first step in your recovery process. What does recovery mean to you? It does have a different meaning for everybody who has suffered from depression. Generally, recovery means returning to a life that you care about and want to positively contribute to without depression getting in the way. In your support group, you'll learn the steps you need to get yourself back on track to leading a more productive life without depression blocking your efforts

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Keep in mind that these are but a few of the many benefits that are available to you from a support group.

The best place to start is to ask your doctor or other mental health professional for information. You can also look in your phone book, newspaper, or check online for a local support group in your area. There are several good support groups online but the one you should definitely join first is a live, face to face group where you'll have the opportunity to interact and experience all the benefits listed in this article.

Initially there is a chance that you might not want to share your experiences or opinions with the group and that's fine, just listen. I didn't want to share either.. But as I listened, I was surprised how much more I learned about others in my group including what we had in common when battling our depressive episodes. That knowledge motivated me to participate and contribute to the group. You will eventually be able to participate and contribute as well. More importantly, you will never have to feel alone in battling depression again.

Dave Kanofsky is a proud affiliate with Wealth Creations Network, your zero out of pocket way to creating wealth. Dave Kanofsky is also passionate about helping people who have depression to overcome their symptoms and to create wealth for themselves. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and start to make money online.