Group sits together in the living room
Photo: Jack Hishmeh
For a better mood in society.
Logo: Schon Genial

Where mental health begins

self-help groups, mental health

The dialogue is an invaluable resource for people who are confronted with different challenges. Across Austria, over 1,700 self-help groups, in which around 250,000 people are organised, make a crucial contribution as a free supplement to medical and psychological care.

Self-help groups enable the exchange of knowledge and experiences between people who are in similar life situations. This relieves pressure, promotes health literacy and helps those affected and their relatives to find their way around the healthcare system more easily.

The diversity of self-help groups

The topics covered by self-help groups are as varied as life itself. Relationship issues, grief, addiction, rheumatism, depression, chronic pain - there is hardly a problem for which there is no self-help group.

Focus on self-help

The importance of self-help groups is recognised throughout Austria, and numerous organisations promote exchange and the establishment of new groups. Support for participation and voluntary work is emphasised in order to provide a platform for people in similar life situations. The motto "Talking about it helps!" expresses the essence of self-help groups. The aim is to create a safe space for sharing experiences and knowledge.

Strong together through talking

Self-help groups are an important resource for people who are confronted with various challenges. The wide range of groups on rare and common diseases, social and mental health issues provide an opportunity to network, build health literacy and share experiences.

It's great when people take the initiative and make a valuable contribution to society: #schongenial

 

Source: .gesundheit.gv.at / red, wien.ORF.at

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