It can be overwhelming and stressful for college students at some point because the academic journey is truly not an easy one. However, here are some wonderful support groups that you can join as a student to cope with the challenges.
- Valera Health Support Group
- Campus Mind Works Wellness Group
- Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Support Group
- Crafton Hills College Support Group
- Eating Recovery Center College Student Support Group
- The Renfrew Center Virtual Support Group
- Student Minds Support Group
- IOWA University Counseling Service
- University of Nebraska Omaha Support Groups
- Seattle Central Support Group
Support groups are likened to a family that helps your personal growth, encourages & inspires you, and uses their experiences to help you overcome any challenge you may be facing at any moment.
You see, some college students think that challenges like depression, loneliness, mental health crisis, etc., are meant for some particular race, age, gender, and background. I am here to tell you that this is not true. Anyone can face one issue or the other, hence the need to join a support group.
The report made by the American College of Health Association (ACHA) in 2022 in which about 54,000 college students were surveyed, 77% of students experienced psychological stress, 54% experienced loneliness, and about 30% had exhibited suicidal behavior.
Follow me closely as I share a brief overview of the support groups I listed above. If you are a college freshman reading this article, these tips for wellness and health can be beneficial to you.
Support Groups for College Students
Here are the support groups you can join as a college student to help you reduce distress, and gain skills needed to cope with challenges.
Our data is obtained from deep research about the topic from trusted sources.
1. Valera Health Support Group
Valera Health Support Group is the first on my list of support groups for college students. They provide an outstanding virtual therapy program for students struggling with one issue or the other.
The therapy groups you can find are ADHD Support, Anxiety/Depression, Intersectionality, LGBTQIA+ Support, Trauma Survivor Support, and Anxiety/Trauma. Currently, these groups exist only in the state of New York.
To join, you must be 18 years of age and above.
2. Campus Mind Works Wellness Group
This is another support group on my list that college students can participate in. They provide excellent mental health education and support to U-M students who are facing one issue or the other.
Here, the college students are taught the factors that can impact their mental health, get strategies on how to manage academic stress, and interact with people who have had similar experiences.
The groups happen bi-weekly on Wednesday from 12:00- 1:00p.m, and each student attending the group will be provided with lunch and a folder of resources. It is good to note that these groups are to support students and post-docs only and do not fulfill clinical or other requirements.
3. Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Support Group
Students who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, mental health crisis, etc., can participate in the Midday Mental Health Support Group provided by Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. This group takes place online weekly on Thursday by 12:00 pm (MST).
The group is supportive and safe for members to share information and experiences, ask questions, and learn strategies and skills to navigate anxiety and related disorders.
It is good to note that there is no cost for attending, and there is no pressure whatsoever to participate in the group every time.
4. Crafton Hills College Support Group
Crafton Hills College Support Group was established to bring those who have gone through similar experiences together. The group helps students to share their personal experiences and coping strategies about their mental struggles.
Here, you would find the trauma recovery support group which happens on Tuesdays at noon by 1 pm at the counseling office, and the Stress/Anxiety Support Group which happens every Monday at noon by 1 pm at the counseling office too.
5. Eating Recovery Center College Student Support Group
This is another support group for college students that is designed for those having challenges with eating disorders. The group is open to college/early adult age and provides an avenue for students to come together and talk things over.
The participation is done online every week Thursday, and to ensure the privacy of the attendees, observers are not allowed. It is good to note that there is no cost to attend, and also no pressure to participate in the group every time.
The group is not a replacement for higher levels of care or therapy, but just supplemental support.
6. The Renfrew Center Virtual Support Group
This support group is open to college students from all walks of life, especially those struggling with disordered eating. The group provides room for participants to share their stories, identify strategies to combat the issues they are passing on, and build authentic relationships.
The group covers topics such as exercise culture, utilizing sports, gender and identity exploration, self-care practices, body image, nutrition and meal planning, navigating family dynamics, etc. It is good to note that participation in this group is free of charge.
7. Student Minds Support Group
Student Minds Support Group is designed in such a way that students can volunteer to be peer support facilitators, and when accepted, they will be given comprehensive training and continuous support on how to deliver excellent and effective peer support on campus.
On the other hand, the Student Minds support group is open to students who are facing issues like depression, low mood, eating disorders, etc. Here, instead of the normal weekly discussions, you will go through a course that will enable you to gain skills to overcome your challenges.
If you are facing eating difficulties, get started here
If you are having the challenges of low mood, anxiety, & depression, get started here
If you want to build your well-being and make the most out of your university experience, get started here
8. IOWA University Counseling Service
The support groups here give the UI students the opportunity to share their experiences, offer support, and build meaningful connections.
The support groups available are Success, not Excess which is held every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at University Counseling Service, Westlawn, and Thursdays from 5:30- 6:30 pm at the IMU Recovery Room 208.
You will also find the ADHD Support Group and ACCESS Support Group which holds every Friday noon by 1:00 pm and every Tuesday by 3- 4:00 pm respectively. You can also join these two group meetings virtually using the meeting links.
9. University of Nebraska Omaha Support Groups
This university support groups help the student to develop their emotional wellness as well as other challenges such as disability. There are about 11 support groups available that you can join if you are experiencing challenges.
We have the body positivity group, alcoholics anonymous, clinical support group for survivors of sexual assault, disability support group, and many others.
10. Seattle Central Support Group
This was put in place to provide support to students, particularly the black-identified students. The participants of the group will learn strategies to effectively manage the emotional and physical impacts of racism, discrimination, and other social injustices.
To join, you must be currently enrolled at Seattle Central College. The meeting length is 1.5 hours and is done virtually through Zoom. This group is open to students of all backgrounds.
Benefits of Participating in Support Groups
There are many advantages of participating in support groups. Some of them are;
- You will get a sense of control and hope.
- There is a reduction in feeling lonely, isolated, or depressed.
- You will learn skills and strategies to combat the challenges you are facing.
- You will learn first-hand from those who have encountered the issues you are having.
- You will have the opportunity to express your feelings without being judged.
- You will understand how to manage your mental/emotional struggles.
These and many others are what you stand to gain when you participate in support groups.
What Types of Groups Do You Rely on for Support?
There are many groups available for support. The one you join depends on your needs or the issue you are facing. There are mutual support groups, therapy groups, wellness groups, disability groups, etc.
The important thing you should note is that support groups are not a replacement for medical care or higher levels of therapy.
What is the Difference Between Support Groups and Therapy Groups?
Support groups provide you with strategies needed to manage, cope, or combat the issues you are facing using informal structures while therapy groups use professional settings and discussions, therapeutic sessions, etc., to effect changes.
Conclusion
As a college student, there is every tendency that the course work will weigh you down. You may at some point experience loneliness or anxiety, but do not dwell there.
Join support groups that can provide strategies to combat the challenges through their weekly discussions, sessions, and others.
At this point, I can say that I have successfully walked you through all you need to know about support groups for college students. I wish you the best of luck.