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In the last issue, we started a discussion about support groups, psychoeducation groups and therapy groups: how they work, and how we can all help them work better.

Last time, I talked about how groups help us to find hope and begin to feel that we're not alone in the challenges that face us. This time around we'll hear about the kinds of teaching and learning that can happen in groups.

Some kinds of groups focus on psychoeducation. Maybe they help us learn about symptoms, coping strategies, or ways we can take care of ourselves. Other groups focus on stress management, substance abuse recovery, and benefits and entitlements. Group facilitators can often provide helpful information.

But just as often, it's the consumers themselves who are the experts about services, care providers, side effects of medications, coping mechanisms, and much more. Be ready to learn from everyone in the group and be willing to share your experiences and knowledge. Sometimes illness or disability can make us feel like we have nothing to offer to other people. But when we can help someone else, it does wonders in building our self esteem and mental health. You know a lot about how to survive and cope with a mental illness. Try sharing a little bit of what you've learned so far.

It can feel risky to share what you know. We don't always feel like saying, "I take that medication too, and I don't like the side effects either," or "I've been through something like that too, and it was really scary." Often when we share something with a group, they appreciate it, and we wind up feeling closer. If you don't feel quite ready to share something, take your time and watch what happens in groups when other people share parts of their history. See if the groups you're part of feel like a safe place to share. Then ask yourself if you might like to try it.

Nearly all kinds of groups help us to improve our social skills. Sometimes if we've been hospitalized, or socially isolated for a long time, it's hard to make connections with other people. Even just making "small talk" can feel like a confusing and impossible task. Groups are helpful, because they are a structured way for people to talk and listen to each other. Even just sitting quietly in a group and watching other people interact and support each other can be a powerful learning opportunity. And we've all had the experience of hearing another person tell a story that is very much like our own. So in many ways, groups help us learn how to connect with each other even if we just sit quietly and listen.

Teaching, learning, socializing, and helping other people are some of the ways groups help us in our recovery. I hope these ideas help you enjoy the groups you participate in more.

Starting with the next issue, this column will take a new direction and begin exploring how you can find your own way in regard to questions about sex, sexuality and relationships. Some people are very sure of themselves about these issues, but many people aren't. Some people are very comfortable with themselves and their feelings, whether they're gay, straight or in-between; but a lot of people are confused, uncertain and anxious about this issue. You deserve to take your time, and to find your own way, a way that's just right for you. And you can do this by being kind and loving, to yourself and to other people as well. That's what this column will focus on from now on.