Have you ever touched a person on their arm and seen them flinch? You probably weren't aware that a few moments earlier the person bruised that arm when bumping into a bookshelf. You'll often see a similar type of flinch when you ask a friend or an associate about their job status and they tell you they've been laid-off. The unemployed are bruised, and many become depressed. The feel like they are alone, even though the employment numbers tell them they aren't. That's why many new community groups are popping up to cater to the emotional needs of newly unemployed. These groups offer solace, advice, and camaraderie.

Joining groups like these while job searching is a great idea because you learn the struggles you're facing are similar to what others are experiencing. Plus, these groups provide you with the opportunity to vent frustrations about your job search. So, don't knock the idea of attending a support group until you take a closer look at what's really occurring and how you might benefit.

One example of these groups is LaidOffCamp, which organizes events for the unemployed in different cities. LaidOffCamp offers the unemployed -- as well as entrepreneurs, freelancers and startups -- resources, such as a job board, newsletter and event listings. The free LaidOffCamp event recently held in New York and reported on in The Wall Street Journal offered workshops on topics like finding resources and a worker's legal rights. Instead of hired speakers, the discussions were led by attendees who have an expertise in the topics produced. More LaidOffCamp events are planned, and there are other similar groups out there, including The 405 Club in New York. A number of unemployment support groups based in other cities are listed at unemployed.meetup.com

Would you participate in these events and/or the groups? If so, what topics would you want to learn about? How do you think a group like these would benefit you?