'I get up, because I know I can go to my group today': examining the healing power of relationship in support groups

Francis, Abraham

Abstract

Mental illness, whether a continuous condition or an intermittent occurrence, leads to a range of consequences that ultimately has an impact on the lives of people with mental illness. These experiences are so unique, different and difficult for them especially for those living in rural and remote communities. In this context, social isolation, difficulties in following through the individual recovery plan and maintaining relationships are some of the issues confronting people with a mental illness. While there are a number of strategies made to address these issues, the author in this paper particularly discusses the process of moving from playing scrabble with a group of consumers to establishing a mental health support group in a rural Australian context that provided ongoing mutual support to the consumers and narrates the significance of relationships in the lives of people with mental illness. The helping relationship between workers and consumers and between workers and families is seen as fundamental to the healing process (Bland, Renouf, & Tullgren, 2009). In this paper, the author based on his experiences examines the process of building this relationship among the members with the support of group activities, identifies the importance of the relationship and describes the process of facilitation and its outcomes. The author discusses both the strengths and the challenges faced by the consumers, the practitioners and the wider community in establishing both a support group and in maintaining relationships. It also presents the theoretical underpinnings of this work, offers critical reflection on practice and suggests implications for mental health social work practice.

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2332-6840

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Horizon Research

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DOI

10.13189/ijrh.2013.010109