Internet Support Groups Can Help Change Your Life
Join an Internet Support Group
The research shows that joining a group will improve your chances of overcoming your problems because you are connected to like-minded people.
While not everyone wants or needs support beyond that offered by family and friends, you may find it helpful to turn to others outside your immediate circle. A support group can help you cope better and feel less isolated as you make connections with others facing similar challenges. A support group shouldn't replace your traditional medical care, but it can be a valuable resource to help you cope.
A support group is a gathering of people who share a common health concern or interest. A support group usually focuses on a specific situation or condition, such as breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, addiction or long-term caregiving, for example. Support groups are not the same as group therapy sessions. Group therapy is a formal type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of a trained mental health provider.
Support groups may be formed by a lay person with the condition or by someone interested in it, such as a family member. In some cases, support groups may be formed by nonprofit organizations, advocacy organizations, mental health clinics or other organizations.
The web provides an excellent opportunity to develop friendships and find support from others in the online community with similar experiences. There are many types of groups offered over the internet. Many are free and others charge a monthly subscription.
The following sites will should help you find a group.
http://www.dailystrength.org/support-groups
Browse over +500 communities of people facing similar life challenges, medical conditions, and mental health issues and find people who understand exactly what you're going through.
http://www.psychcentral.com/resources
The oldest annotated directory of online psychology and mental health resources. This directory began in 1992 and was originally published in the Usenet newsgroups; it was transferred to its current Web-based format in 1995.
Support groups bring together people facing similar issues, whether that's illness, relationship problems or major life changes. Members of support groups often share experiences and advice. It can be helpful just getting to talk with other people who are in the same boat.
If you need more information about our internet support groups please contact us.
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