Often, community is the best medicine.
The traditional treatment for depression—medication and talking to a professional therapist—can be incredibly helpful. But it’s missing a vital component: community and connection. Depression isolates, and convinces the person suffering that he’s alone in his struggle. Every year, over 35,000 men succumb to the despair and loneliness, and die by suicide.
Face It support groups help to break down this illusion of aloneness. In an informal setting that feels more like a hangout than therapy, men receive support from guys who truly understand what they’re going through. Not because they have a Master’s degree in social work or PhD in psychology but because they’ve experienced depression first hand. They’ve endured the sleepless nights and waking-nightmare days. They’ve been there.
Many men start attending a group unsure if they’re even suffering from depression—they only know that they feel terrible. Through hearing others’ stories and sharing their own, new group members learn to identify their feelings. They hear what’s helped the other guys feel better and move forward. For men who have overcome depression, group offers a chance to support men who are still struggling, and to solidify their own recovery.
Groups are always free—there’s no health insurance to navigate or copays to cough up. Our generous donors and community partners make this possible.
Face It support groups provide men:
- Peer support and friendship
- Reassurance that they don’t have to battle their depression alone
- Continuity—many groups have been meeting for years
Our support groups give men a chance to speak openly about their challenges and provide the community they need to make a long-term recovery . Please note our groups are not drop-in groups, but if you’re interested in joining a Face It Support Group please contact Mark Meier at 612-789-9897 or email him at mmeier@faceitfoundation.org and he will find a spot for you! Learn about the other ways Face It helps men build community:
One-on-one peer support
Activities & retreats
See event calendar