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Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, a support group may connect people with cancer, heart disease or diabetes. Or it may bring together those with alcohol, drug or tobacco addiction. Support groups also can be for people dealing with grief, or for caregivers of people with cancer or dementia. Support groups may even be specific to a person's age, sex or beliefs.

A support group gives you a chance to:

• Share personal stories.
• Talk about feelings and concerns.
• Share coping approaches.
• Talk about other helpful information you and others have learned through having related diseases, treatments or experiences.

For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. Your relationship with your healthcare professional or other healthcare team member may not give you enough emotional support. And while your family and friends may help you, they may not understand the full effect of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared conditions or situations may work as a link between medical and emotional needs.