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IN a world increasingly connected through technology, it is still common for people experiencing a mental illness to feel isolated.
While people will reach out to support groups and services over the internet, the call for support groups allowing those with a mental illness to connect with their peers is still vital, Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) project manager Ingrid Ozols says.
“They haven’t figured out how to make computers that give you a hug,” she said.
“People need a space to be together, to feel safe to talk about what they are going through in an environment that has no judgement.”
The first of these support groups was set up in Melbourne decades ago but, as new needs have developed within the community, the services have expanded to include support groups covering a wide range of groups with widely different life experiences.
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Among the groups now operating are support groups for people with mood disorders, people with bipolar disorder, gender identity issues and a women’s domestic violence group. There is also a youth depression group named ‘Foul Weather Friends’.
“It offers an opportunity to talk through their lived experiences in a non-medical environment, which is important,” Ms Ozols said.
“We have sometimes thought that, with the connections now available on the internet, support groups might fall out of fashion, but while technology offers a great portal for people, it does not replace one-on-one personal contact.
“Some people are feeling really lonely and this offers an environment to have a spontaneous conversation, to read body language and facial expression, to really feel that support.”
The stigma of experiencing a mental illness can isolate people, not only from their community, but also within their own families. The feelings of weakness and shame experienced by many people encourage them to withdraw from society.
“It is really tough to get through that shell. Then they come along to a meeting and it’s the relief of knowing you are not the only one,” Ms Ozols said.
To find out more about support groups now operating, contact the Mental Health Foundation of Australia office on (03) 9826 1422.