I am a big believer in support groups, however, I really feel that they must be the right kind of group.  The groups that I believe are supportive are ones that are more solution-oriented.  What do I mean by this?  Well, if a support group is structured in such a way that all its members do is complain without any resolution, it can become a very toxic environment very quickly.  If, however, the support group is more focused on giving the participants tools to solve their problems, these groups can be very effective. 

I have participated in some groups that I love, and some that I do not find very good.  For example, Recovery International  is a great group.  In this group, members present their problem to a panel of other Consumers who help the member to change his or her interpretation in his mind about the troubling situation.  It is highly effective, and very Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based. 

Another group that helped me a great deal was Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  Developed by a wonderful woman named Dr. Marsha Linehan, this is another highly structured group that is solution-oriented.  In this group, clients are given coping skills that help them to maintain emotional equillibrium even durning the hardest of times. 

I recommend that you or anyone who is struggling with a mind disorder look into these invaluable groups. 
Be Well.
~Emily