Support Groups for Loneliness: Finding Community Through Shared Struggle

Last Updated: January 2026

There's something powerful about sitting in a room (or a video call) with people who understand. Not because you explained it well, but because they're living it too. Support groups for loneliness offer dual benefits: addressing the problem and providing the solution simultaneously. You're working on loneliness while experiencing connection.

Here's how support groups work for loneliness and how to find one that fits.

How Support Groups Help Loneliness

Built-In Connection

The group itself provides:

Regular human contact
People who know your story
Ongoing relationships
Community that meets your needs

Reduced Shame

Shared struggle normalizes:

You're not alone in being lonely
Others understand without judgment
Shame decreases when spoken
Normalizing your experience helps healing

Practical Wisdom

Group members share:

What's worked for them
What hasn't worked
Practical suggestions
Different perspectives

Accountability

Groups provide motivation:

Others notice if you don't show up
Reporting on progress motivates action
Support for trying new things
Gentle pressure to follow through

Giving and Receiving

Support flows both ways:

Helping others feels good
You have something to offer
Reciprocity builds connection
Purpose through contribution

Types of Support Groups

Loneliness-Specific Groups

Groups focused on loneliness itself:

Sometimes called "social connection" groups
Focus on building relationships and skills
Peers who all experience loneliness
May include skill-building components

Life Circumstance Groups

Groups for specific situations that cause loneliness:

Grief and loss groups
Divorce recovery groups
New parent groups
Caregiver support groups
Job loss/transition groups
Retirement adjustment groups

Mental Health Groups

When loneliness links to mental health:

Depression support groups
Anxiety support groups
General mental health peer support
Often address loneliness as component

Identity-Based Groups

For specific populations:

LGBTQ+ support groups
Groups for seniors
Young adult groups
Groups for specific cultural identities
Disability-specific groups

Activity-Based Groups with Support Elements

Not pure support but connection-oriented:

Meetup groups for specific interests
Club activities with community focus
Social skills practice groups
Some overlap with support function

Finding Support Groups

Where to Look

Resources for finding groups:

Local: - Community mental health centers - Religious organizations - Hospitals and healthcare systems - Libraries and community centers - Local therapist referrals - Meetup.com (social/support category)

Online: - 7 Cups of Tea - Support Group Central - Daily Strength - Reddit communities (various support subs) - Facebook groups - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Evaluating Groups

Questions to consider:

What's the focus? (Does it match your needs?)
Who runs it? (Professional facilitator or peer-led?)
How often does it meet?
In-person or online?
What's the format?
Is there a cost?

Trying Groups

Give it time:

First meeting may feel awkward
Groups develop over time
Attend several times before judging
You may need to try multiple groups

What to Expect

First Meeting

What typically happens:

Introductions
Ground rules explained
Some sharing (usually optional initially)
Getting a feel for the group

Group Formats

Common structures:

Check-ins (how everyone is doing)
Topic discussions
Open sharing
Educational components
Skills practice

Group Dynamics

What you'll encounter:

Different personalities
Varying levels of participation
Some people you connect with more
Gradual trust-building

Your Role

What's expected:

Confidentiality (what's shared stays private)
Respectful listening
Optional sharing (you don't have to talk)
Supporting others
Following group guidelines

Online vs. In-Person

Online Advantages

Why consider online:

Accessible from anywhere
No transportation needed
May feel safer initially
More options available
Can participate from home

In-Person Advantages

Why consider in-person:

More social connection (being physically present)
Harder to avoid/easier to engage
Additional social practice
Community building extends beyond group

Choosing

Consider your needs:

If you're housebound: online
If you want maximum connection: in-person
If nothing's available locally: online
Try both and see what works

Making the Most of Support Groups

Show Up Consistently

Regularity matters:

Relationships build over time
Being known requires showing up
Consistency creates trust
Benefits compound with attendance

Participate Actively

Engage rather than just attend:

Share when comfortable
Respond to others
Ask questions
Be present (not distracted)

Be Open

Get the most by being honest:

Don't minimize your experience
Share what's actually happening
Be willing to receive feedback
Authenticity enables connection

Give Back

Support others:

Listen attentively
Offer your experience
Be encouraging
Celebrate others' wins

Extend Relationships

Move beyond the group:

Exchange contact info (if appropriate)
Meet group members separately
Build friendships that extend past meetings
The group can be a starting point

Potential Challenges

Not Every Group Fits

Sometimes groups don't work:

Wrong focus for your needs
Bad group dynamics
Facilitator issues
Just not the right vibe

Try a different group if one doesn't fit.

Comparison Trap

Risk of negative comparison:

Others seem to be doing better
Or their situations seem worse
Remember: everyone's path is different
Focus on your own journey

Becoming Dependent

Balanced relationship with group:

Group should support, not substitute for, outside connection
Build life outside the group too
Use group as springboard, not only source
Healthy interdependence, not dependence

Difficult Group Members

Every group has challenges:

Someone who dominates
Negative or toxic members
People you don't connect with
Facilitator should manage this

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm nervous about sharing in a group. Can I just listen at first?

Absolutely. Most groups welcome observers initially. You don't have to share until you're ready. Listening and observing is participation. Over time, as you become comfortable, you may naturally want to share more. There's no pressure to disclose before you're ready.

Are online support groups as effective as in-person?

They can be. Research shows online groups provide real benefits. They're particularly good for accessibility and for people who find in-person intimidating. In-person groups may offer more social connection through physical presence. Try both if possible and see what works for you.

What if I don't like the group I find?

Try others. Not every group is right for every person. Group fit matters—the right facilitator, the right members, the right focus. If one group doesn't feel right after a few sessions, look for alternatives. Don't conclude that support groups don't work based on one bad fit.

Can support groups replace therapy?

Support groups are different from therapy, not replacements. They offer peer support and connection but not professional treatment. If you have mental health conditions contributing to loneliness, therapy may also be needed. Many people benefit from both—therapy for professional guidance and support groups for peer connection.