Many people find support groups to be a helpful tool to assist in their weight loss efforts. Studies continually show that support groups can help people achieve their weight loss goals, sustain weight loss, and they prove more effective than dieting alone. It is with this in mind that Three Health has developed a support group and we invite patients and non-patients alike to join us. (Information follows.)
But why do support groups work?
Obviously, support groups are made up of people with similar problems and goals. They are a place one can learn helpful information, reduce levels of distress and increase self-understanding. For many, a support group can break isolation and with this, gain hope that recovery is attainable. Some benefit from disclosures from members who are farther along in their healing and others profit emotionally by being a “mentor” to others.
Many folks are fortunate enough to have family and friends to talk to, but some family and friends can struggle to relate to the issue involved. Sadly, sometimes family and friends don’t even care about the issue or they might not be interested in the changes a person wants to make. Often family and friends just offer advice rather than listening. A support group can offer emotional comfort and moral support.
A support group can reduce isolation and judgement and it can increase the sense of empowerment and control as well as improve coping skills. Support groups have been proven to reduce distress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue in its members.
In a safe group, members are not forced to participate, but encouraged to commit to at least 2 or 3 sessions in order to get to know others and get more comfortable. In our support group you will find a non-judgmental, relaxed atmosphere.
Self-disclosure and personal insights are an important component of the growing process and change is easier to accomplish when we gain clarity. Support groups remind people they are not alone in their challenges and members will have evidence that others have persevered and flourished despite (or because of) these challenges.
At Three Health we are committed to healing the mind, body, and spirit of our patients and again, a support group is just one of the tools to assist in doing that. We hope you will consider joining us.
When: The second Tuesday of the month. (Next meeting: July 9, 2019)
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Swedish Hospital (4thfloor conference room)
21601 76thAve W. (Next to our Edmonds clinic)
Edmonds, WA
Please RSVP by emailing Alexis at contactus@three.health
Cost: Free
