How a Support Group Can Help You Manage a Stressful Diagnosis or Life Change

Dealing with a complex medical condition or a stressful life change—and the emotional, and practical concerns that come with it—can be overwhelming. Even the most supportive family member or friend may not be able to understand exactly what you are going through. That’s where a support group can be helpful.

What can I expect?

Support groups provide counseling, information and education or a combination of both. In some cases, groups are lead by members who have experience with a particular condition. Other groups may be lead by a trained counselor, social worker or psychologist. Informational support groups often invite speakers such as doctors who provide expert advice. 

Support groups come in a variety of formats including in person, on the phone or on the Internet. Typically, support groups are designed around a specific diagnosis such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease. There are also support groups for depression, anxiety, divorce or grief. Some groups are further organized by gender or age with groups just for women, men or teenagers. Others are designed to help caregivers, such as family members or friends.

Benefits of Joining a Support Group

Sharing your experiences with others who are in a similar situation may help you feel less alone. You may gain a better understanding of what to expect from your treatment or life situation. You may learn about new options to help you better manage your condition or get through a tough transition. Members of a support group typically share their personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support.

Other benefits may include:

• Gaining a sense of empowerment and control

• Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

• Reducing distress, depression or anxiety

• Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

• Comparing notes about resources, such as doctors and alternative options

How to choose a type of support group

To choose a support group that’s right for you, think about what kind of support you need. Do you want emotional support, education, information or a combination? Are you comfortable sharing experiences face-to-face or would you prefer an Internet-based support group where you could be anonymous?

Plan to attend a few support group meetings to see if it works for you. If you don't find it useful, try another one. Remember that even a support group you like can change over time as participants come and go.

Periodically evaluate the support group to make sure it continues to meet your needs. Be wary of any support group that promises a cure for your disease or condition, has high fees or pressures you to stop medical treatment. If you choose an Internet-based support group, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be very careful about giving personal information such as your name, address or phone number.

• Be aware of the possibility that people may not be who they say they are, or may be trying to market a product or treatment.

• Understand the terms of use for a particular site and how your private information may be shared.

• Don't let Internet use lead to isolation from your in-person social network.

How to find a support group

To find a support group that’s right for you ask your doctor, nurse or hospital/medical center where you are receiving treatment for suggestions. Many hospitals and treatment centers sponsor support groups for their patients. A social worker or discharge-planning staff member may also be able to help you find an appropriate group. You can also find support groups by:

• Contacting a state or national organizations dedicated to your particular disease, condition (like the American Heart Foundation), or situation for links to support groups in your area.

• Looking in your local telephone book or check your local paper for a listing of support group resources.

• Contacting community centers, libraries, churches, mosques, synagogues or temples in your area.

• Asking others you know with the same illness or life situation for suggestions.

• Search the Internet. Online groups are available as email lists, newsgroups, chat rooms, blogs and social networking sites like Facebook.

If you don’t want to join a support group or find that the format doesn’t work for you, talk to your doctor about counseling or other types of therapy.