Trigger warning: This article might contain some sensitive material. We are not professionals, but simply folks who know the ins and outs of different places and never gatekeep.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 and activities are organised throughout the month to promote mental wellbeing. So, this year we are featuring 10 support groups you can attend if you're looking for like-minded individuals facing similar struggles in life and are seeking a cathartic outlet other than your personal journal could provide. I know it can get isolating and lonely sometimes, but these support groups will give you the healing you need.
10 Support Groups You Must Attend This Mental Health Day
Belong
Belong is a support group founded by Harsheen Kaur Vohra, who has been praticising psychology for the past four years. Its aim is to create a safe space where you will not only find your tribe, but also connect with like-minded individuals facing similar problems. Talking from personal experience, you'll discover supportive strategies using activity-based discussions, from painting your feelings to storytelling games. What's more? You can expect group hugs, lots of giggles and cool postcards in every session.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm
Social media: Belong (@belongg.in)
LBB Pro tip: With every session, you can get a free drink of your choice
Warriors Connect
A peer-based support group, Warriors Connect is a judgement-free group that brings mental health patients and their caregivers together under one roof. Founded by Avani Shukla, this support group was started by her due to her own struggles with mental health. The best part is that it caters to a variety of people, from those who have bipolar disorder to trauma survivors. Every week they hold a virtual huddle on Zoom and have in-person meetings every month.
When: Every Thursday
Timing: 8:35 pm
Social media: Warriors Connect (@warriorsconnectofficial)
LBB Pro tip: You can join their WhatsApp community to access the various sub-groups they have.
Shades Of The Meh
Organised by The Mithra Trust, Shades Of The Meh is an art-based support group that uses a creative and playful approach to create a safe space. If you are an art enthusiast, this support group is the one for you. Through scribbling, colouring and breathing exercises, participants can understand the impact of colour in our daily lives. Art is a powerful medium of expression, and Shades Of The Meh is proof that it can help process difficult experiences and feelings.
When: Every 1st and last Wednesday of the month
Social media: Mithra (Friend)
LBB Pro tip: Stock up on stationery, pencils, pens and paints to prep for the session!
Umang: LBT Support Group
A part of The Humsafar Trust, Umang focuses on providing support to the LBT community (lesbian, bisexual woman, and trans folks). It not only provides mental health counselling and legal support, but also creates a safe space for the LBT community through social events, workshops and 'Chill Outs' with no exact agenda.
When: No fixed schedule
Social media: Umang Support Group for LBT (@umanglbt)
The Village: Support Group For Desi Single Parents
Designed specifically for desi single parents, The Village offers a comprehensive platform for their unique needs, from legal to financial, to mental as well as special education support. Not only that. The group also provides single parents with an outlet to express their deepest feelings, while maintaining privacy and integrity of the conversations.
When: Every month
Social media: The Village for Single Parents (@thevillageforsingleparents)
ASHA Meet-Ups: Support For Adult Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse
Dedicated to adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), ASHA Meet-ups provides a safe sanctuary for anybody who has faced it and their allies. Hosted by survivors themselves, the group explores various themes, coping mechanisms and strategies to break the taboo and shame associated with CSA.
When: Every monthSocial media: ASHA against CSA (@asha_against_csa)
LBB Pro tip: This group is exclusively for adult survivors of CSA
We Hear You
Based in Mumbai, We Hear You is for individuals who are bereaved by suicide. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, then this is the perfect group for you to join and share your personal experiences of loss. The best part: It is facilitated by a group of people who have personally experienced loss and understand the importance of building a space where people can grieve and heal together, coupled with suicide prevention efforts.
When: Every month
Social media: We Hear You
Bipolar India
An online community for people living with bipolar disorder and depression, Bipolar India has been there in the mental health support scene since more than a decade. It not only facilitates compassionated interactions within the members group but also share a common goal of helping each other to cope. So, if you are facing similar issues, then this group offers the support and community you need.
When: Every monthSocial media: Mental Health Support Foundation (@mhsf_india)
LBB Pro tip: Only individuals above the age of 18 who are living with bipolar disorder and depression, along with their caregivers can join this group
Peer Support: Caregivers
A dedicated community for caregivers and those grappling with mental health disorders and chronic physical ailments, this group serves multiple purposes. That's not all. It also helps build connections and brings people with shared lived experiences together under one platform. Caregiving can be a tough process, especially if you are doing it all alone. Hence, this group is the ideal space for anybody navigating the challenges of caregiving.
When: Every Wednesday
Social media: Peer Support Space (@peersupportspace)
Pet Loss Support
This initiative by Swayam Foundation offers a shared space for people who have lost a beloved furry friend. This support is one-of-a-kind as it helps combat cultural misunderstandings and societal taboos that often downplay the sadness that comes with losing a pet. It also brings animal lovers together to share, grieve and heal the deep wounds left by loss.
When: No fixed schedule
Social media: Swayam l Mental Health Training | Therapy | Support Groups (@swayamfoundationindia)
