Support groups are wonderful coping tools. Support groups can provide emotional comfort, background information on your disease, opinions about treatments members have tried, recommendations to specialists, and friendship at a time when other friends and family members might not be able to meet your needs. In a support group, you get help, but you also give it, which helps you feel like you've regained control over your life. Support from fellow SeniorNet members might be all you feel you need. Or you can combine RoundTable discussions with an in-person support group in your area.
Support groups do more than simply help people cope with chronic conditions.
They also boost the immune system, the complex body system that defends us against illness and disability. Chronic conditions tax the immune system. If you have a chronic condition, it's a good idea to take special care of you immune system. One received standard medical care, the other, standard care plus participation in a weekly 90-minute support group that he led. Dr. Spiegel theorized that the support group would improve participants' coping abilities, and it did.