8 Signs You May Not Need a Support Group For Your Illness

Upon the diagnosis of an illness everyone, including5. You don't watch others with envy. You feel
your doctor, likely tells you to go to a supportyou have overcome any annoyances you may
group. Research has shown that support groupshave previously felt toward people who have
can be extremely helpful in how one copes withtheir health, but who do not seem to be
disease. And yet, not everyone finds a group toappreciating it.
be the answer to the kind of support for which6. You find that sitting around talking about your
they are searching. Like any kind of group, thereillness with others at a support group is more
are some support groups you will "click" with anddepressing than refreshing. You leave your
others you will not. So don't rule out all supportmeetings feeling worse than when you came.
groups just because one doesn't seem like a good7. You are able to be a good advocate for your
fit.well-being. When you need information on
But the question still arises. Regardless of whethersymptoms or tips about living with your illness,
you are looking for a colon cancer support groupyou are equipped to find the information.
or a endometriosis support group, the real8. You have found at least one dear friend who
question may be, do you really need a supportlives with illness. Being able to talk openly with a
group at this time in your life? Many changesgood friend who has a realistic idea of what you
occur while we live decades with illness and thereare coping with can be extremely helpful in your
are seasons in our life when an illness supportdaily living skills. You have the chance to vent or
group may hold our very best of friends, andcontribute ideas with another person who
other times when we have no need to attendunderstands the details and "language" of illness.
whatsoever.If you connected with some of the examples
Here are eight signs that you may not need aabove, it's likely that you don't really need a
support group right now:support group at this point in your life. But
1. You are coping well with the day-to-daysurprise! You could be an exceptional facilitator of
aspects of living with illness. You don't think aboutan illness support group. All of the signs above
your illness non-stop because you're simply toomake a simple outline for your proposal for
busy living life.starting up a support group.
2. You have a solid group of people who are aThe most successful support groups are those
good influence. Friends or family members areled by people who have overcome the daily
supportive in your efforts to live your best lifeaggravations and animosities that occur during the
possible despite having an illness.first years of being diagnosed with a chronic
3. You don't feel resentment, anger, or bitternessillness. Since you have coped with the initial
toward people who don't deal with chronicrollercoaster of emotions and have survived, a
conditions. Your relationships with others aren'tsupport group of people still struggling with them
tainted by you comparing your abilities (or lack of)would benefit from your experience and
with others entering your thoughts.expertise.
4. You easily carry on conversations with peopleIf you feel leading a support group is not your
without ever bringing up the topic of your illness.calling then go enjoy other things you are
You don't believe that your illness is such apassionate about. Remember, there are friends in
fundamental part of who you are that it'swonderful support groups who will be there when
necessary to describe your medical challenges toyou need them.
total strangers.