Have a problem? Join a support group to get help

"From him the whole body grows, joined together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love ..."

- Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

In these troubled times, everyone could use some encouragement and support from time to time. But sometimes your friends don't have the answers or resources you need. At a recent speaking engagement to a lovely women's Bible study group, the women said "we support one another."

God knows we need support and education about certain matters in our lives. Family addictions, afflictions and problems can get too heavy to carry alone. Sometimes our own burdens weigh us down. When this happens we might consider turning to a support group. Over the years, I've attended some myself.

Support groups are a group of people who share a common problem. Examples include grief, depression, addictions, weight loss, jobseekers and various health conditions; the list is endless. In fact, you can find a support group for almost any issue you're dealing with, and I'm now adding a Bible study group to the list of God seekers and problem solvers.

You can even attend a support group from the comfort of your own home through a social media class. My granddaughter helped me teach a childbirth class this way through a popular video connection. Being an old fashioned gal, I didn't think I'd care for this type of class. But I'm having fun with it. It's a way more can attend. Besides childbirth classes, I may teach an online Bible study. It's great way to provide support in these areas.

A support group is normally led by a member who not only has some formal training, but who has also struggled with the same problem and overcome it. The participants get together and discuss their feelings, exchange ideas and offer solutions.

The greatest benefit of a group is knowing you're not alone. The down side can be sharing your information if you're not comfortable doing so. In that case, you can still listen and learn.

Make sure the group is helpful and positive. A friend of mine attended a support group she described as "The ain't it awful group." If a group's tone is negative, supporting a victim mentality, it probably won't be helpful.

A positive group should provide loving support and build your self-confidence. If a support group doesn't work for you, try an individual session with a wise mentor, coach or counselor.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.