When you are feeling isolated and alone and you need to communicate with like-minded people, it’s time to join a peer support group (for patients) or family peer support group (for family caregivers).

You will meet people who have experienced similar things in the addiction and mental health system.

Support groups combine people that can relate to the challenging things you are experiencing, such as stress, worry, fear and uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring.

Some support groups have an education component, as well as an opportunity to share your story. Meetings of the Cornwall and District Family Support Group, for example, begin with education topic or guest speaker, before the group checks in at a round table, where stories are shared along with information and resources that might help.

Local family caregivers may also want to join a Family Wellness Recovery Action Plan group, to connect with other caregivers and develop new coping and planning skills.

There’s a Wellness Recovery Action Plan group for patients, too.

Check our event calendar for support groups near you.