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How Support Groups Help

By Tina Samuels February 25, 2009 - 6:22am
 
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Were you ever diagnosed with something and think, “What do I do now?” “Is this symptom/feeling normal?” “I’m all alone in this?”

Support groups are a lifeline to many with new illnesses or conditions; they will help make you feel you are not alone and answer many of your questions. You will be surround yourself with people who know what you are going through, which is different than being around doctors or health care professionals, because the people in support groups know first hand. Not from books and medical journals.

Support groups, for people who have been dealing with a chronic illness or condition, can help educate those new to the condition and group. They can also show what the disease or condition may be like for the others after many years.

Support groups are a binding unit of comfort and knowledge. Everyone is safe in a support group. There is no, “My family will feel as if I’m whining” in a support group. It can be the most honest and real place you attend while going through your diagnosis.

Support groups are all over and for just about anything and everything you can think of. Ask your doctor for ones nearby, or host one if there isn’t a local chapter of a group you are interested in. Everyone can benefit from these groups.

 
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We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Tina Samuels View Profile Send Message

Tina was diagnosed with her own chronic pain condition, interstitial cystitis, in 1993. She began an exhaustive ...

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