Sunday, November 15, 2015

Support Groups

Seeking a support group while going through a trying time in your life or learning how to deal with a disease that consumes your life will help you to learn to cope, accept, and remain positive.  Being supported by other people experiencing the same situation as you can be a powerful feeling especially with the emotional rollercoaster that this unpredictable chronic illness presents.  When you go through ups, down, flares, and remission lupus can feel overwhelming and you may experience a loss of control over your life. Having people there to talk through these times will you and people who relate to what you are experiencing can help you to keep a positive outlook on your life.
Support groups are where people with a similar disease get together at a regular time each week or month to talk. Support groups can take place in homes, clinics, offices, coffee shops, hospitals, religious gatherings.  These support groups may give you a sense of connection. Meeting and talking with others that understand your feelings and concerns will help you fight back loneliness and isolation. Many people gain coping skills. They get ideas for dealing with lupus preparing for flares, handling finances, and not just surviving, but even thriving with lupus. Another positive outcome is the gaining of motivation and hope. Being inspired to take a meaningful role in your own care and your future by sharing and listening to others. These groups can also help you to stay informed on the latest research, trials, and possibilities for new medications. One of the most beneficial outcomes is that of friendship. When it happens it can provide great relief for helping normalize feelings and concerns.
These links below will help you to discover some important support groups in your area that are specific to your location and needs. Not everyone with lupus is the same and not everyone deals with the disease the same, but connecting with people who can relate to you might just be the empowerment that you are desperately striving for.


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