This essay summarizes my online visit to the Young Adults Support Group organized by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) in New York. Overall, that was a highly atmospheric and precious experience, as all those involved received enormous respect, assistance, and guidance with their problems.
The population of the group was six people including a mentor. The central aim of the meeting was to deliver mental and psychological support to young adults that attend it (18-30), hence its name Young Adults Support Group (NAMI NYC, 2016). As a result of the meeting, its participants were to acquire the necessary support and the resources that would allow them to cope with inner and outer hardships. One of such resources was the ability to build trust-based relationships with friends and loved ones. The crucial aspect of the meeting was the opportunity to share difficulties with other attendants.
Concerning the structure of communication, it was an open conversation between the participants. After listening to a partner, there was a chance for everyone to speak up and verbally support the person (NAMI NYC, 2016). The moment a person started talking, everybody including the mentor became an active listener to show respect to and the value of the other person’s experience.
The meeting commenced with a regular check-up, in which the participants mentioned which topic they wished to discuss and the problem they had. After that, one by one they began to speak about their inner world: thoughts, troublesome feelings, and life challenges. The mentor held a key role in the group discussion. He was not a professional mental health doctor; rather, a volunteer who had already experienced similar troubles and thus was able to provide and advise the participants. He appeared to be very sensitive to other people’s problems: he was extremely patient and made the impression of being a very wholehearted person. Near the end, there was a time to play boarding games and socialize. The mentor encouraged the group members to go out together to the local bar to have a couple of drinks and get entertained with the games.
Overall, the interaction between participants was based on confidentiality and mutual support (NAMI NYC, 2016). That is exactly what makes such support groups very effective. Everyone felt support and safety; everybody was assured that he or she would be listened to and understood. This in turn brought noticeable stress relief to the people involved. It was fascinating how the participants became so open about their feelings and emotions. Some individuals started crying during heart-breaking stories about horrible injustices they face daily at university, at work, or at home.
One of the participants retold the story about his relationship with a father. In childhood, he did not feel loved by his dad, who was constantly angry at him for various reasons (mostly due to his low grades at school). The father was extremely critical and did not allow the neglected child to live freely and without fear. That story was emotional, and after the listening, most of the participants had their eyes wet, which showed the enormous peer support and empathy the group was providing.
The NAMI support group fully accepted those who were its part. The mentor masterfully facilitated the creation of a wonderful atmosphere, which was filled with compassion towards the persons.
Reference
NAMI NYC. (2016). Young Adults Support Group.