Why be a part of a peer support group?

Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you

-Misty Copeland

Oxford dictionary defines a support group as “a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice”. We could not find better words for what we want international students to get out of our support groups. 

When we first come abroad, it can be a very lonely experience. You might not know anyone, and the place and the language might be foreign to you. This feeling can be quite overwhelming in addition to adjusting to a different academic style than our country. When we are feeling overwhelmed, talking with people who are going through the same experience helps. In joining our support group, you can connect with other international students who speak your language, who feel what you may be feeling, and who get what you mean. You can share your experiences, your struggles, and your story in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment. 

It can be intimidating for some to join a support group and share their thoughts and feelings with strangers. People accessing support groups have often shared that they feel a sense of relief at hearing others share similar struggles as them. It normalises the problem for them and validates their feeling. It also gives them hope that maybe together they can solve the problem and get better. For international students, this can be a strong motivation to join a support group, to be part of a warm, welcoming group where their concerns are heard can be empowering and improve their wellbeing. Mind the Gap Connect support groups offer a comforting space where you can hear and learn from other international students and share with the group your journey at your pace if and when you are ready. 

Support groups also give people the opportunity to improve their quality of life through mutual support and education. This can also bring about changes in an individual and the wider community. When we look at the news about international students, not much is ever talked about their mental health. How living away from our family and friends, struggling with academics and work-life balance impact international students’ mental health is often not spoken about. Mind the Gap Connect offers a safe space for international students to talk about their mental health challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, and isolation in a supportive group without any shame or stigma. 

So if you are looking for a space to be encouraged, to get advice from people who have lived your problem and be comforted by them, come and join us for one of our programs. We can’t wait to have you onboard 😊