By Royane Real

One of the quickest ways to overcome loneliness and make new friends is by joining a support group.

A support group is a formal or informal group of people who are united in a common cause of helping each other to overcome a shared problem.  For example, a support group can consist of people who want to overcome a drug addiction, or people who want to lose weight.

Other support groups exist for people who are struggling with cancer, or people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

There are many different types of support groups available today in almost every corner of the globe.  Members who attend support groups have an opportunity to share their struggles with other people in a similar situation and they often develop new friendships as a result.

The most famous support group is probably Alcoholics Anonymous.  (A.A.)  Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that helps alcoholics stay sober by giving them an opportunity to talk to each other and follow a simple set of guidelines for living a sober life.

Since Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935, many other support groups have been formed that use a similar structured program of 12 basic steps.  Other 12 step support groups include Overeaters Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous and Alanon.

Not all support groups use the 12 Step model that Alcoholics Anonymous made famous.

Support groups can be very structured and formal, or very informal.  What they all have in common is that they offer fellowship and support for their members who are struggling with a problem.

Support groups for people with specific diseases can provide a lifeline for people who are newly diagnosed with some frightening ailment.  By attending meetings of the support group, these people can share information and hope, as well as emotional support.   

Because support groups exist to help the members help each other, you usually get time to share a little bit of your current situation and feelings with the other members of the group.  You also get to listen to the other members speak.  This kind of more structured “sharing” can take the place of small talk, and helps each person find common ground with those who are present at the meeting.

Most support groups make a point of keeping secret whatever is said at the meeting.  This tradition of maintaining secrecy helps people to open up to each other about their problems.  Some support groups use only the first names of the people attending so that members can feel anonymous.

You can usually find information about the location and times of support group meetings by checking in a local newspaper or telephone book, or on the internet. 

If you decide to try an existing support group, it’s best to go several times before you decide whether or not it’s right for you.  It can sometimes take a few meetings before you start to feel at home.  Most support groups are welcoming of new members, so if you attend a few meetings, you will start to see familiar faces.

What if you are living in a place where there doesn’t appear to be an existing support group for the problem that is troubling you?  You can try to set up a support group for your particular problem.  As well, you may be able to find an existing support group on the Internet and you will be able to share your struggles with new friends on line.

This article was written by author Royane Real.

Learn to Be Popular - even if You're Shy and Lonely!

By Royane Real

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