Reducing the stigma of mental illness

–>

<!–

–>

Hyderabad: Most people with problems mental health They tend to feel lonely, out of place and frequently judged. So much so that it becomes difficult to get along with the day to day.

Although traditional therapy and counseling sessions are preferred, some people find solace in support groups. It is the practice of a group of people coming together to share a similar form of mental health condition to discuss their struggles.

Licensed clinical psychologist Purvi Maski likens these support groups to tools, adding, “Support groups are one of the effective tools that are available to treat mental illness.”

She believes that support groups help people feel less alone and accepted. Those in support groups realize that they are not alone and that many others are struggling with issues similar to theirs.

In Hyderabad, there are some organizations that organize online and offline sessions. One of them is the Manastva Counseling Center, which hosts free online support groups.

“We have a variety of active support groups and run sessions led by a trained volunteer under the supervision of our psychologist. These sessions are a safe space for people and a source of emotional support for group members,” says Vamsy Krishna.

The reason support groups are effective is that you are adapting a coping technique from someone in the group or helping someone else cope with their methods. In both scenarios, people end up feeling positive and optimistic.