Is a Support Group Right for Me?

Fact: RESOLVE offers a directory of support groups offered nationally, in-person and online. Most virtual support groups are open to all regardless of location, unless stated otherwise in the group description. If you can’t find a support group that fits your experience, consider starting your own peer-led support group. 

Fact: RESOLVE peer-led support groups are led by peers and not by mental health or medical professionals. Peer-led support groups are not intended to be a replacement for private counseling or a professionally-led support group. However, it can be cathartic to talk with others about shared experiences with family building and infertility.

Fact: It is up to you to decide how much information and emotion to share with the group. You remain in control. Listening to others will also help, as some of what they say might also apply to you.

Fact: It's been noted that emotional support while struggling to build a family can:  

• increase success rates for those in medical treatment 
• keep patients in the treatment process 
• help combat high rates of depression and anxiety among infertile couples (higher rates than fertile couples) 
• help process all the options they have to build a family 

Try a support group for a few weeks. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, consider a different support group.

We encourage you to discuss your concerns in the group or with the volunteer leader of the support group – namely things that are or are not working. Having these discussions can often be a turning point in the group where you can more effective work to improve your experience. If you continue to feel your needs are not being met, we can work with you to explore other options. Contact RESOLVE staff at supportgroups@resolve.org.

Remember that a peer-led support group isn't a substitute for counseling with a mental health professional. If you don't think a support group is appropriate for you, but you need help coping with your condition or situation, we recommend you reach out to a mental health professional or find a professionally-led support group in our support group directory.

Emergency and Self-Care Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people
  in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for
  professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for
  support in Spanish and Deaf & Hard of Hearing.
• General Crisis Text Line: Text “SUPPORT” to 741-741 (24/7, Free).
• The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)
  Live Chat - thetrevorproject.org/get-help (Fridays 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST)
• Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: Call (Llame) 1-800-786-2929 (24/7)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-9255, option 1
• TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline: Call 1-800-959-TAPS (1-800-959-8277)