This brochure provides information for you and your family on grief support groups in our area. The Mesa Police Department Victim Assistance program hopes this information will be helpful to you.

How To Get The Most Out Of Group

Support Group: a group of people who meet to discuss common problems. While it is not a therapy group, a support group is therapeutic since participants gain mutual support and education.

One dozen good reasons to consider a support group:

1. You will meet other people with similar concerns and, as a result, understand more about the problem.
2. You gain an "extended family."
3. Just by getting out of the house you will help alleviate the feeling of isolation.
4. You'll be with others who truly understand how you feel; you will realize you're not alone.
5. You get to help others. You'd be surprised how much knowledge you have acquired already. You can share this information with someone who is a newcomer to the problem.
6. You will learn practical tips to help you cope with everyday situations.
7. You will be actively doing something about a difficult situation, and this alone will make you feel more positive.
8. You will gain valuable, current information and resources concerning the problem.
9. You will improve your coping strategies as you learn what has worked for others.
10. The group will keep your expectations realistic.
11. The group will help you prepare for the future.
12. Perhaps, most importantly, you will increase self-esteem by being supported for what you are doing right.

Now you know what there is to gain from attending a support group. But remember, the experience is only as good as the effort you put into it! So here are a few suggestions:

• Be an active participant; speak up. Focus on what you came to the group for, or you will leave feeling like you wasted your time.
• Decide how much you wish to disclose.
• Don't feel you must "pour it all out" if you aren't comfortable.
• Learn to trust the group. You need to trust someone -- a group of strangers is pretty safe. After all, you don't have to see them again.
• Don't expect the group to immediately solve your problems and change your life; change is an ongoing process. The support group will help you gauge how well you are doing over time.
• Listen closely but discriminately; decide for yourself what information applies to your situation.

(Extracted from an article by Arlene D'Alli, A.C.S.W., in the June 1987 issue of SupportLine.)

Contact the Mesa Police Department's Victim Assistance Program at (480) 644-4075 for a current list of support groups.