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Meet my support group: My blog
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People blog for all sorts of reasons, but according to a new survey, a growing number of individuals are doing so because it’s therapeutic.
Writing long has been considered a therapeutic outlet for people facing problems. A 2003 British Psychological Society study of 36 people suggested that writing about emotions could even speed the healing of physical wounds: Researchers found that small wounds healed more quickly in those who wrote about traumatic personal events than in those who wrote about mundane activities.
But it’s the public nature of blogs that creates the sense of support.
According to MightyGirl.net blogger Margaret Mason, “Blogging can create an instant support system, especially at a time when you might not have the energy or resources to seek out people who’ve shared your experiences.”
While therapeutic blogging may have value as part of the healing process, it lacks the accountability of traditional support groups, which is in part why experts say it shouldn’t replace face-to-face counseling. But as more and more social networking forums emerge on the web, will there come a day when people will stop showing up at the community center for their weekly/monthly support group meeting?
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Don’t blame racism
Blogs are nice, but nothing beats facetime.
It gives me a chance to state some of my more outlandish opinions without suffering the consequences!
Writing long has been considered a therapeutic outlet for people facing problems.
“Writing long”? That would explain a few posts!
Support groups are generally over-rated in my opinion. I’ve been in several, and they serve a purpose for awhile. They can help a person get back on their feet. But at some point they can become a crutch that people become dependent on (addicted to?).
The people running support groups should be consciously and deliberately working toward moving people toward wholeness, where they can leave the support group and stand on their own. At least that should be the goal. I understand that some people won’t make the goal and may always be dependent on a support group.
I have received some big blows in my life and I’ve been the beneficiary of the good that support groups can do. But life is much so more than that one problem or issue. I guess I’ve seen too many people in support groups who’s entire life seems stuck on that one “issue” and they return week after week, month after month, year after year. They never seem to get better or able to move beyond it.
As for people blogging as a support group, I think it’s a useful tool, especially for people who are uncomfortable in a group setting. Writing can be very therapeutic. I once had a therapist who gave me “homework”, where I had to write about certain matters that I was unwilling to talk about. I found I could be very honest with an anonymous piece of paper. Then he’d have me read it out loud to him. It was a very healing thing for me.
Well, I hope people who are in support groups don’t take my comments as being harsh. They’re not intended that way at all. I’m very understanding of why people need them and the importance of them.
WOW!
That is not why I blog.
Good thoughts Anlir.
Therapy is just one of many, many reasons people blog.
I am reminded of the statistic that says that 97% of facts put forth by mankind at one are proven incorrect by people who come along later.
I’m guessing that 97% of poeple that blog should not do so. I will possibly be proven wrong when it turns out the correct percentage was really 95%.
Anlir - Let’s start a support group for people addicted to support groups.
I’ve heard this theory before and it could be true for a group of people. I don’t believe blogging can compete with my 3D world and face to face or telephone conversations.
If an individual depends on a box with a lit screen as a means to their social life, friendship, committments within a relationship, they will never know what they really have.
Even in the 3D world you cannot always trust what people tell you as being the truth, so it would stand to reason that in the world of blogs, you would really NEVER KNOW exactly who you are talking/posting to, and who it is that posts back to you.
The church is God’s plan for support.
I have regular correspondents (friends is a little strong for people I’ve not yet seen in person) on 3 other continents out of particpating in their blogs.
Reg - Agreed.