PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Peer Support Groups

Available en Español

Peer support groups are a place where you can discuss day-to-day problems with other people who have been through trauma. Support groups have not been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms, but they can help you feel better in other ways. Because you can gain a sense of connection to other people, a peer support group could be a good addition to your treatment. Support groups can also help family members or friends who are caring for someone with PTSD.

Remember, if you are suffering from PTSD, it is important that you get treatment from a mental health care provider, even if you join a support group. An evidence-based treatment provides the best chance of recovery from PTSD.

What are peer support groups like?

Peer support groups are usually led by someone like you who has been through a traumatic event. Groups often meet in person, and many groups also provide online (Internet) support.

When you connect with other people it can help you feel better. You can join a group and participate at your own pace. Listening is fine and you can choose to share about yourself when you feel ready to do so. Most of all, it can be helpful to know that you are not alone in what you are feeling. You can work together with others to get better at talking about your PTSD or learning how to ask for help when you need it. You might even share some of the materials from the National Center for PTSD’s website to help others.

What are the benefits of joining a peer support group?

Joining a peer support group can help you to feel better in any number of ways, such as:

• Knowing that others are going through something similar
• Learning tips on how to handle day-to-day challenges
• Meeting new friends or connecting with others who understand you
• Learning how to talk about things that bother you or how to ask for help
• Learning to trust other people
• Hearing about helpful new perspectives from others

If you have problems after a traumatic event that last more than a few weeks, you may need professional help. Peer support groups can be an important part of dealing with PTSD, but they are not a substitute for effective treatment for PTSD.

Video

Peer Support Groups

"The peer support honestly, that I'd say was the turning point for me getting better...."

Tia Christopher, U.S. Navy, 2000-2001

How can I find a peer support group?

Here are some ideas to help you find a peer support group:

• Do an online search for "PTSD support groups" or for a group that relates to the specific trauma you experienced, like "disaster support groups."
• Give an Hour offers free virtual (online) peer support groups. Peer supporters who lead groups have lived experience with healing and are trained to offer support, information, and resources to those impacted by trauma.
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers a list of support groups across the country for a number of different mental health conditions, including PTSD.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers peer-led support groups. Visit NAMI Support Groups to learn about options for groups for people with mental health conditions (NAMI Connect) and family support groups. Or call the NAMI HelpLine from 10am – 10pm ET on Monday-Friday at 1-800-950-6264. (You can text “NAMI” to 62460.)

Are there peer support resources specific to Veterans and their families?

Veterans can access peer support services in VA’s health care system. Peer Specialists are available in many VA facilities. These are employees who are Veterans, and they have personal experience with mental health recovery. A Peer Specialist can serve as a role model, work with other health care professionals to support your recovery goals, and connect you to resources. Contact your local VA facility to ask about Peer Support Services or support groups.

Other options:

• If you feel that you or a Veteran you care about is in crisis or emotionally distressed, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1. You can also text 838255 or open a live, online chat on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
• Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran or visit the Vet Center homepage to ask about local support groups.
• The VA Caregiver Support Line provides services and support to family members who are taking care of a Veteran. Call 1-855-260-3274 or visit VA Caregiver Support.
• Veterans who want to share their knowledge and experience with other Veterans dealing with mental health conditions may consider searching VA Careers for "Peer Specialist" positions.