We know you might be nervous about joining a group. We hope this blog will ease your mind and remind you of how helpful support groups can be.
So, you have come to the realization that this motherhood thing is hard. So hard.
Does everyone have this much anxiety/depression/rage? Does every mother feel this isolated? You may be struggling with a variety of different things – but you know for certain that you need some kind of support or help.
Support Groups
First, let’s look at some research about support groups and how helpful they are with the mental health of their participants. One of my personal favorites is from Mental Health America, which goes over numerous studies and gives percentages on how helpful peer support can be – it really affects a person’s entire quality of life.
You’ve gotta read it – there is just too much to put in this little blog post. From decreasing one’s chances of being hospitalized, to increasing employment (who knew?!), peer support has been proven to be an extremely effective way to manage mental health.
What are the benefits of a support group?
1. Affordability
For families who don’t have insurance and can’t afford to see a therapist about what they are going through, support groups are perfect! Note that a peer support group is usually led by a fellow mother who is not a licensed counselor, and is not a replacement for seeing a therapist. However, it can serve a similar purpose in that you are able to talk freely about how you are feeling as well as get some good advice about how to improve your mental health. Postpartum Support Charleston offers both peer support groups and counselor-led support groups.
2. Realizing you aren’t alone
Having a group of mothers who have been through or are going through a similar situation can be invaluable. Motherhood can be isolating – making us feel like we are the only ones struggling. Support groups will help you realize that you are not alone. You are not the only mother to think scary thoughts or worry about your baby’s safety constantly. Support groups are also great ways to meet other mothers and develop friendships.
3. Learning helpful information
The conversation that happens during the support groups is exactly what it’s called – support. All of the attending mothers work together to support one another, whether is just lending an ear to listen or giving advice where it is wanted. Often times, mothers will learn new things about their community or motherhood that make the journey through this tough time just a little bit more manageable.
I’m Nervous. What are some tips to help me join my first group?
1. Sign up
I know, duh. First step. But this can often be the hardest. Find a group you are interested in and just put your name down. Put if on your calendar and commit to doing something for YOU!
2. Reach Out
If you are really nervous about group and think you might have a hard time showing up, reach out to us! Before almost every group, someone from the organization should reach out to connect with you. We will reassure you that you are in the right place, we will answer any questions you might have, and we will be your accountability buddy! You matter!
3. Invite other moms
If you know other moms, invite them! Or post in our Private Facebook Group that you are attending and chances are another mom will be attending too and you can connect with her! It’s easier to show up to a group if you know someone, or at least can put a face to a name.
4. Plan your day around your group
I know, planning a day with a newborn is NOT always possible. But maybe plan to get yourself a treat after group or plan to take a nap! If you put it on your calendar and have a plan for what you might do after group, you are more likely to attend!
5. Pack the diaper bag the day before
We always welcome a mama who is late, trust me. But that’s stressful on you. Do what you can to pack your bag the day before. Bring a snack and water for yourself if you are going to an in-person group. Having this one step done will really help at the last minute.
What are the support groups like?
Are you nervous about going and meeting new moms and talking about your feelings. It may help to know exactly what happens during one of our support group meetings.
Our support groups at Postpartum Support Charleston are small, intimate groups where you will have the time to talk about how you are feeling as much or as little as you want to.
Once the attending mothers have arrived, the facilitator will start the conversation by introducing everyone. This gives moms the opportunity to open up and talk about anything that is on their mind. Once the conversation has begun, it flows naturally from there!
We have multiple setting for groups – walking, gardening, yoga and even virtual sessions. Each look a little different, but the main idea is that we talk about things we are going through. The good and the bad.
We laugh, we cry, we empathize – we support you. We always end our groups on a high note – having a plan for the upcoming week on how to tackle our concerns, or simply encouraging each other to make it through one more week. We all leave together, with smiles on our faces, ready to return to our families with a little more confidence than we did when we left.
This is the magic of a support group. Interested in joining our next Postpartum Support Group? Check out our calendar to sign up – we would love to see you there!