A support group offers a safe place where you can get information that’s practical, constructive, and helpful. You’ll have the benefit of encouragement, and you’ll learn more about coping with your problems through shared experiences. Hearing from others facing similar challenges can also make you feel less alone in your troubles.

It’s common to feel nervous, frightened, or even ashamed about joining a support group. It means you’re acknowledging and accepting the fact that the issue you’re facing is real, you can no longer avoid dealing with it, and you need help.

These can be hard things to accept, but there are ways to overcome the obstacles to taking that first step:

• Remind yourself that you have nothing to lose by giving a support group a fair try.
• Think of the fact that you’ll likely make new friends who will be more sympathetic than some of your closest friends and family.

• Check the Student Support Groups document to the left to see a description of each group that is currently being offered.  
• Once you have found a group that meets your needs, make sure you meet the requirements to join that group.
• Finally, reach out to the Social Worker facilitating the group you are interested in and ask if there is still availability to join the group. They will get back to you with meeting details.