Support group facilitator and social worker Susan Abrams gives you the inside scoop on support groups and what to expect if you join.
Support groups may not be for everyone but each year thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer join a support groups to help them cope with the disease. Some are informal gatherings and some are facilitated by a trained professional.
Years ago no one discussed breast cancer and women felt isolated. They had to deal with breast cancer completely on their own. These days women have many outlets for talking about their breast cancer, some women however still remain isolated and would benefit from joining a support group.
Some support groups might be larger and have a guest speaker on occasion to discuss specific topics. Some women like to use a support group for a year or longer after their cancer diagnosis. Usually at this time the patient doesn't want to discuss their breast cancer with friends and family, who may have had enough of the subject. They feel comfortable discussing their fears and concerns with other survivors.
Some benefits of joining a support group:
- help in coping with the disease.
- hear new information to discuss with your physician.
- hear of new treatments or clinical trials.
- reduce stress.
- receive understanding.
- emotional support.
Why you might not want to join a support group:
- you feel that you would benefit more from one on one therapy.
- you find others stories make you more anxiety-provoking than helpful.
- you are too fragile to see someone in worse shape.
- you might begin to doubt your own decisions when listening to others.
- someone in the group could die which could bring on anxiety and fear.
The best way to find a support group is through your physician. Hospital-based support groups are usually very good. Trust your instincts when looking for a group, if you don't feel comfortable with one, try and find one that feels more fitting.
