Support Groups are an excellent way for people to seek help and lean on one another whether they are going through a rough time due to medical reasons, experiencing grief or loss, caregiving, or other personal struggles. Support groups are also an excellent way to meet people who have the same experiences as themselves. They can learn how to help one another and how to live each day feeling better than the day before.
Getting information about a situation from others or receiving comfort and caring words may not be enough. Only YOU know how you feel and what you are going through. Attending a support group helps bridge that gap between a personal situation and one’s need for emotional support.
Different support groups cater to diverse needs. So, WHY attend support groups?
• Realize You Are Not Alone – Share your experiences with others who are like “you.”
• Expressing Your Feelings – A safe, non-judgmental, supportive space can be therapeutic and healing.
• Learn Helpful Information – Get practical tips, resources, strategies, and tools. Hear success stories that can help you move toward your journey.
• Enhance Social Skills – Interact with others and learn real-world social skills.
• Gain Hope – It can be powerful to see others who have moved along in their journey and made strides to live happier, healthier lives.
• Reduce Stress – Working through your experience may help reduce stress and distress, which helps you feel better.
• Increase Self-understanding – As you learn to cope and handle your situation, you better understand yourself, your needs, and your unique personality. These help you to realize your challenges and what works best for your goals.
• Help Others – Believe it or not, you can be that positive role model who can help others and yourself.
• Affordability – It’s free!
We aim to learn, grow, and live happier and healthier lives. And with the holiday season quickly approaching, support can be even more beneficial during this time.
The COA invites you to attend ANY of the following support groups REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE:
All Support Groups are held from 1 – 3 p.m. at the COA Lowe Center in Cassopolis, unless noted.
• Caregiving Support Group (Any Kind) (Any Kind) – 2nd Wednesday of the month
• Congestive Heart Failure Support Group – 3rd Monday of the month
• Diabetes Support Group – 1st Friday of the month
• Grief & Loss (Any Kind) – 2nd Thursday of the month
• Multiple Sclerosis Support Group – 3rd Tuesday of the month
• Parkinson’s Support Group – 1st Tuesday of the month
• Parkinson’s Support Group (Front Street Crossing in Dowagiac) – 4th Thursday of the month from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• Stroke Support Group – 1st Tuesday of the month
