Life crises — whether personal tragedies, psychological trauma, health problems, or financial hardship — are an inevitable part of the human experience. However, the way a person goes through these moments depends not only on their individual resilience but also on their environment. In recent years, Portugal has seen a steady rise in interest in support groups as an effective tool for overcoming crises. This has become particularly important in a post-pandemic society, where levels of anxiety and loneliness remain high.
Support groups are communities of people brought together by shared experiences or challenges. They can be organized through medical institutions, non-profit organizations, online platforms, or even by the participants themselves. In such groups, people share their experiences, listen to others’ stories, receive emotional support and, most importantly, stop feeling alone in their struggle.
Psychological and Social Function of Support Groups
From a scientific point of view, participation in support groups provides a number of proven psychological benefits. Research shows that communicating with people who have faced similar difficulties helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for those dealing with chronic illnesses, the loss of a loved one, addiction, or mental health disorders.
One of the key functions of a support group is to normalize emotions. When a person hears that others are going through the same thing, they stop seeing their feelings as “wrong” or as a sign of “weakness.” This creates an environment of acceptance, making it easier to speak openly and without fear of judgment. Support groups also help individuals develop adaptive coping strategies. People share not only their feelings but also specific solutions and actions that helped them get through difficult times.
Beyond psychological benefits, these groups provide essential social support. This is particularly important for vulnerable segments of the population — the elderly, immigrants, women who have experienced violence, and young people facing pressure and anxiety about the future. In Portuguese society, where family and collective values run deep, support from the community plays a key role in preserving mental health.
Technology and Online Support: A New Era of Connection
Over the past ten years, technology has significantly changed the way support groups operate. Online platforms like Zoom, Telegram, Discord, and specialized forums allow people from different regions of Portugal — from Lisbon to the Azores — to connect and support each other from the comfort of their own homes. This is especially important for people with limited mobility or those living in sparsely populated areas where physical support groups are not always available.
The emergence of anonymous online groups has also been a lifeline for those who, for various reasons, are afraid to open up in person. For example, many young people with anxiety disorders or LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to find support in such spaces. According to 2023 research, over 40% of Portuguese people aged 18 to 35 have participated in online support groups or therapeutic chats at least once.
However, it is important to understand that online formats do not replace face-to-face communication. Where possible, in-person meetings remain the most effective way to interact. This is why initiatives like grupos de ajuda mútua (mutual aid groups), organized by local municipalities and under EU social programs, continue to grow in Portugal.
The Role of Professionals and Volunteers
Support groups can be either professional or informal. The former are led by psychologists, social workers, or healthcare staff. They are crucial when dealing with severe trauma, clinical diagnoses, and addictions. These groups often follow a structured approach: moderated sessions, set discussion topics, session plans, and emotional check-ins for participants.
Informal groups, on the other hand, are often run on a volunteer basis. These might be meetings of parents with children who have developmental differences or cancer survivors sharing their journeys. While there may be no professional guidance, these spaces often foster a deep bond between participants and a genuine sense of human warmth.
Volunteers play a key role in supporting and organizing these groups, especially in small towns and rural areas of Portugal. Often, they act as a “bridge” between an isolated individual and society, helping to break the cycle of fear, shame, and hopelessness.
Conclusion: When the Word “Together” Heals
Living through a crisis is hard. But going through it alone is even harder. Support groups are becoming a vital part of the social fabric, especially in times when insecurity and anxiety have become the background noise of everyday life.
In Portugal, where traditions of mutual assistance and solidarity are deeply embedded in the culture, support groups are not just a way to talk. They are a tool for recovery, a source of stability, and a chance to feel valuable again. Participating in a group is a step toward trust, toward accepting yourself and others — and ultimately, toward healing.