Are Patient Support Groups Effective?

Do Patient Support Groups Help?

Are support groups an effective way to improve your overall health and well-being? Yes! Below, we will explore the benefits of joining a patient support group, including having access to people who are going through a similar situation, connecting with others, feeling less alone, and gaining tools that can help you cope with your health issues.

What are Support Groups?

Patient support groups are usually small, informal group meetings that provide a safe environment for people who share similar challenges. They are often themed around specific relatable topics, and help with setting/achieving individual health goals. During support group meetings the members often share their personal experiences and offer one another compassion.

Benefits of Participating in a Support Group

Joining a support group is a great way to learn new ways of coping with your own health issues, and alleviate feelings of isolation and stigma that often come along with being chronically ill or in pain. Being part of a supportive community can help group members get the emotional and social support they need to stay positive and hopeful. Which is something that many people are lacking when connecting with the healthy people in their own lives. According to Mayo Clinic, it provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies that can be used to cope with health issues on a daily basis. Additionally, groups helps members discover they are not alone in dealing with these issues.

Photo credit: Chris Montgomery