Loneliness and isolation have become a major problem in our society today, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. As a mental health and mindset coach, I have seen firsthand the impact that loneliness can have on an individual’s mental and physical health. However, there is a powerful solution to this problem – the power of athlete peer groups.

Along with former NFL player and top-rated podcast host, Marques Ogden, I run a weekly peer group for former pro athletes. We emphasize creating a safe space through a strict confidentiality honor code. This allows our members to open up, be vulnerable, and truly connect with the others in the group.

Recently, we welcomed someone new to the group. He is a former MLB player. Before the meeting wrapped up he said, “I never knew something like this existed but I’m glad it does because I need to be around people who get it.”

That is the very essence of peer groups: being around people who get you.

Personally, I also participate in a weekly Sangha (Sanskrit word for “community”), with a group of individuals who are interested in deepening their practice of mindfulness and meditation. It is another space where I feel safe to be vulnerable, ask questions, and also offer support.

What I’ve continued to learn from these groups is that even though they are virtual, there is tremendous power in the community. To feel accepted, heard, and validated in a space that warmly encourages growth, is a real gift.

The Power of Peer Groups

Peer groups can be defined as a gathering of individuals who share similar interests, experiences, and goals. These groups are formed to provide a sense of community, connection, and belonging. Peer groups have been shown to be effective in fostering social connection, as they provide individuals with an opportunity to meet new people and form friendships. They offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to express themselves, share experiences, and provide emotional support to one another.

Athletes often feel a sense of loneliness or isolation outside of their sport, because not everyone understands the unique pressures and situations that they face. Once they retire, the loneliness often becomes a bigger issue now that there is no longer locker room camaraderie with their peers. To solve this, we began creating peer groups to help both current and retired athletes find a sense of community where we can explore both personal and professional topics of discussion.

To illustrate, here are a few recent quotes from a group chat for one of the peer groups that I co-host:

“I been through hell, but you all have helped me so much.”

“This is a powerful group right here!! No BS – NO FLUFF!! My kind of vibe.”

“Little emotional. I am blown away by the support and the experiences you all have had. God is a miracle worker. I’m just amazed. Ty, all!”

How Athlete Peer Groups Can Help Solve Isolation and Loneliness

According to a recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is linked to various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, as well as physical health issues such as heart disease and dementia. It’s also said to be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes per day!

Peer groups have been shown to be an effective solution to combat loneliness and isolation. By bringing individuals together who share similar interests, experiences, and goals, these groups create a sense of community, connection, and belonging.

As a mental health and mindset coach, I have witnessed the benefits of peer groups firsthand. Peer groups can foster mental peace and camaraderie, creating an environment of support and connection. When individuals feel supported and connected, they are more likely to feel fulfilled, motivated, and confident. Peer groups can also improve teamwork, communication, and productivity, which can be especially beneficial for sports teams, corporations, and nonprofits.

The Impact of Peer Groups on Mental Health

Belonging to a peer group can have numerous mental health benefits. Social support from peers has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Additionally, peer groups can offer a sense of purpose and meaning, which can lead to greater life satisfaction.

Peer support is especially important for individuals with mental health challenges. By providing a safe and supportive space, individuals can receive emotional support and encouragement from others who have experienced similar struggles. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of hope for recovery.

For example, athletes who have recently retired may be struggling with their mental health during the transition, or athletes who are injured may struggle with their mental wellness.

How Peer Groups Empower Teams

Peer groups don’t just offer mental health benefits, they can also empower teams. When individuals work together towards a common goal, it’s normal that there will be individual issues along the way in achieving this goal. In a peer group setting, the moderator can focus on team goals, but also on self-development. In addition, this gives team members a place to talk about their experiences which helps others not feel alone but also builds team bonding.

I was recently interviewed for a podcast that is hosted by a high school basketball coach. We talked about peer groups, but also about how to help players build self-awareness, self-esteem, and focus. I showed him how he could incorporate one of their team’s values, which is greatness, through a simple breathing exercise that helps players focus on the greatness within. If I was hosting a peer group for this team, this is exactly the kind of work I would do followed by a discussion about what greatness is, how it feels emotionally, how it feels in the body, etc.

How to Create a Successful Peer Group

To create a successful peer group, confidentiality, inclusivity, and diversity must be emphasized. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, individuals from all backgrounds can feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences. This can lead to a more enriched and supportive group dynamic.

Building stronger peer groups requires intentional effort and planning. It’s important to identify the goals and needs of the group, as well as to establish clear communication and expectations. Encouraging group participation and providing opportunities for members to take on leadership roles can also strengthen the group dynamic.

Another key is consistency Make sure that you have someone who is prepared to lead the group on a regular basis on an ongoing day and time by showing up and being prepared. A safe space is a consistent space, so this is absolutely crucial.

Peer group getting started checklist:

• Decide the purpose of the group.
• Decide who it’s for and who you want to invite.
• Decide if you want to host your peer group virtually or in person.
• Decide often you’ll hold the meeting, for how long, and when. (For example, weekly on a specific day and time for 30 minutes, once a month for a couple of hours, or whatever works for your group.)
• Think about how many members you want in the group.
• Choose how you will invite people to join (e.g., open invite or private invite).
• Secure someone to lead the meeting each week.
• Prepare topics of discussion for each week.
• Send reminders to members to encourage participation.

Get Started with a Peer Group

At my coaching practice, we offer leadership services to help organizations create and hold groups. We believe that everyone deserves to feel connected and supported, and we work hard to promote a culture of camaraderie and mental peace.

Peer groups provide a powerful solution to these problems, promoting a sense of community, connection, and belonging that can have significant mental health benefits. As a mental health and mindset coach, I encourage sports teams, corporations, and nonprofits to consider the benefits of peer groups and explore our peer group leadership services to create a culture of camaraderie and mental peace. Together, we can combat loneliness and create a more connected, supportive world.

Contact us to learn more about establishing a peer group for your organization.