What is a Support Group?
Brain injury support groups are important sources of support and information for survivors, families, and professionals. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person's relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs.
Why Attend a Support Group?
The purpose of a support group is to learn more about brain injury and available services by meeting with others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. The essential elements of a support group are:
Gather information for navigating the difficult path of rehabilitation after a brain injury
Share common needs and strengths
Provide a place to socialize, meet new friends and find new connections in the community
Provide a safe place to receive/provide emotional support, find courage, and take risks
Provide an environment where positive and negative views can be expressed without being judged
In-Person or Online Groups
Support groups vary in how they are organized and led. When you join a new support group, you may be nervous about sharing personal issues with people you don't know. At first, you may benefit from simply listening. Over time, however, contributing your own ideas and experiences may help you get more out of a support group. Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group or a different support group format.
Note: Due to Covid restrictions, Brain Injury Support Groups may not be currently meeting in person. Please contact the leader of any group that you are interested in below.
Start a support group!
If you do not find a support group in your area, contact the Brain Injury Association of NC to learn about resources in your area, or let us know if you want to help get a new group started.
