Stress basics (8)
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Stress relief (19)
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Support groups: Find information, encouragement and camaraderie
How to find a support group
What support group, if any, you choose may depend largely on what's available in your community and whether you're confined to your home, have access to a computer or are able to travel. To find a support group:
- Ask a health care provider for assistance. A doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain or psychologist may be able to recommend one.
- Look in your local telephone book or check your newspaper for a listing of support resources.
- Contact community centers, libraries, churches, mosques, synagogues or temples in your area.
- Talk to your priest, pastor, rabbi, imam or other religious or spiritual leader.
- Ask others you know with the same illness or life situation for suggestions.
- Contact a state or national organization devoted to your disease, condition or life situation. Your local library may have lists of organizations dedicated to people in your situation.
- Search the Internet. Many state and national organizations have Web sites that offer information on support groups. Some offer ask-the-expert features.
Most support groups are free, collect voluntary donations or charge only modest membership dues to cover expenses.
How to select your support group
Each type of support group has its own advantages and disadvantages. You may find that you prefer a structured, moderated group. Or you may feel more at ease meeting less formally with a small group of people.
If you're uncomfortable about sharing personal information with a group of people you don't know, of any size, consider attending one meeting and listening, rather than talking. Or consider the Internet. But be careful. The anonymity of the Internet may be appealing, but the trade-off may be that you don't know who else is online with you or whether you can believe everything you read. Look for groups affiliated with a reputable organization or hosted by an expert.
If you decide to take part in a group (real or virtual), try it out a few times. If you don't find it useful or comfortable, you don't have to continue. You may have to experiment with different kinds of support groups before you find one that meets your needs.
Use caution
Beware of support groups that put their interests before yours. Look for these red flags:
- Promises of a sure cure for your disease or condition
- Promises of quick solutions to your disease, condition or life situation
- Meetings that are predominantly "gripe" sessions
- A group leader or member who urges you to stop medical treatment
- A charismatic group leader who demands cult-like allegiance
- High fees to attend the group or having to purchase products or services
If there's anything that makes you feel uncomfortable — from profane language to the credentials of the group leader — try another group. Remember, your goal is to find a support group in which you feel safe and comfortable enough to listen to others and to discuss your unique situation.
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