Sometimes, when I am nervous about a new change, having a group of friends or group of people going through the same thing helps to make a transition easier.  Some of my support group members are my closest friends because we all went through a lot together.  Here are some other benefits of friends and support groups:

Support Group Members Can Be Friends

Pros

-Support groups can turn into lasting friendships.  Friends can also be your support system if they make you feel good.

-Live happier.

-Gain new information.

-Empower yourself.

-Emotional identification.

-Reduces anxiety and stress.

-Find and be a good role model.

-Improved health status

-Better relationships. One problem worldwide is that people are not able to hold jobs for a long time, but with improved relationships, you can. #healthypeople2030

• https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/economic-stability

-Makes healing from trauma or any mental health treatment go by faster and is easier to do with friendships or with people in similar situations.

-Grow your confidence to manage your mental health or general issues if you have any.

-Lasting friendships help you maintain your good health status, positive transformation and contribute to a long life.

 

Cons

-Finding the right "fit" in your friendships is difficult and can take some time, but it is possible.

Recommendations:

-Always consult with your medical team. They will provide you with great advice on what a good friend is if you're ever in doubt, can help you decide who are good friends to you currently,  and provide referrals to support groups.  Talking it out with a therapist can help you to hear yourself say what you're looking for in a friend.

-Choose friends that make you feel good about yourself and that encourage you to be the better version of yourself.

-Reconnect with old friends too while you're making new friendships.  You can always expand your support network.  #bettertogether

-NAMI has great resources for different mental health support groups. 

-Even if it's hard, treating others like you want to be treated is the best policy.  It helped me maintain jobs, friendships, business deals, etc.  Would this work for you?

Did you try this?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @fortheloveoffoodsciencetravel on Instagram and hashtag it #fortheloveoffoodsciencetravel.