If you have a physical illness, you may find comfort in a support group. Online support groups are full of people who are going through the same things. Studies show that patients who find emotional support during an illness adjust better. They also have better quality of life, and have lower rates of death.
Online support groups can offer many benefits. But patients should always remember to be safe online. Don't give out your real name or personal information. Never share your pass word, or the name of your doctor or hospital. Always remember to follow the rules of "netiquette".
Here are some support groups you can try:
-Mental Health Support Groups: Mental Health America has an online community of over 1 million members. Choose from over a dozen different forums to find others who have mental health conditions.
-Cancer Support Groups: Resources and support groups for patients, family members, and care takers.
-Type 2 Diabetes Support: Find information, support groups, and crisis help.
-Chronic Illness Support: Download the free app and connect to a support network for people who suffer from chronic illness.
BBC
WebWise. (2014). What is netiquette? Retrieved
from http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/about-netiquette
Lehardy,
E.N., & Fowers, B.J. (2018). Ultimate (evolutionary) explanations for the
attraction and benefits of chronic illness support groups: Attachment,
belonging, and collective identity. Current
Psychology, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-018-9841-7
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