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Getting Better Together: The Benefits of Group Therapy

26 percent of adults and 20 percent of teens suffer from mental illness, study says.

By Claire PetersPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Mental health issues are not new, but many of the ways that we think about, and deal with them, are. Society has changed quite a bit, and the ever-learning mind has a lot to process, in this ever-expanding world. Traumatic experiences, depression, and intense anger complicate the process of life, exponentially.

There is an age-old adage, about the confrontation, that applies equally to the struggles you’re involved in on the battlefield and in the mind: “There’s power in numbers.” While mental illness problems can make you feel isolated, you’re not alone. According to studies, in a given year, mental illness affects 26 percent of American adults, and 20 percent of teens suffer, as well.

Since you’re not the only one, you should give group therapy some serious consideration. Continue reading, to learn just a few ways that group therapy could help you achieve some peace of mind.

Power in Numbers

Humans are social creatures by nature. Even the most reserved introverts need contact and communication. Even Tom Hanks’ character in the classic film Cast Away, who befriends a volleyball, after becoming stranded on a desert island, becomes grief-stricken, upon losing his only friend, “Wilson.” It’s the sort of grief you would expect from someone after losing a close friend.

The human mind needs to be stimulated, by fellowship and communication with others. In fact, experts have found that solitary confinement can lead to mental illness. While depression, trauma, and other mental issues can make you want to escape the rest of the world, that is the worst thing you can do. Group therapy puts you in the company of other perfectly normal people, like yourself, who are suffering from the same problems.

Gathering with others to discuss your common illness reinforces that you aren’t alone in your battle. There are other people fighting alongside you, and rooting for you. As others help you grow, you will also aid others in their growth. Just knowing that you’ve had a positive effect on someone else will boost your own self-esteem.

In addition, group therapy SF also provides you with accountability, partners, and motivation. Your group members will become your battle buddies that help pick you up in times of doubt.

Groups promote social skills.

As social creatures, social skills play a large role in the happiness—and even success—of humans. These skills can’t be simply be measured by charisma and likeability. They also play a prominent role in your ability to process the world around you, and your ability to express yourself to it. On top of that, experts say that group therapy improves social skills if you feel like that may help you.

Talking your problems out in a group of supportive peers teaches you how to think critically about issues, get to their source, and work through them. As you grow through this process, you share your progress, difficulties, and triumphs with your group. This experience grows your ability to identify and articulate your thoughts, while also building your confidence, in your ability to do so.

Developing your social skills not only increases your happiness and sense of mental well-being, but it also benefits you in both your personal and professional life. You will become more adept at making friends, you will communicate better in the workplace, and you may even be inspired to use your newfound voice to help others.

If you’re suffering from mental health issues, then group therapy could be the best decision that you ever make.

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