NBLIC

What can you hope to gain from attending a support group?

Many people who have experienced cancer report that even when communication with family and friends is open, there is a special sense of release & relief in talking over problems and situations with people who have “been there.” Support groups offer encouragement, strategies for coping, information and the opportunity to form friendships with others who understand the physical, emotional and other problems you are facing. Taking part in a support group helps many people overcome the isolating effects of cancer, whether these feelings arise from the person’s own altered perceptions and emotional stress or from the fears and discomfort of others. Support groups can be of help even if you finished your cancer treatment long ago, but you still have questions, problems, or worries related to cancer. The decision to seek peer support is a personal one, and there is no set timetable dictating when–or if– you should do so. Some people find that they desire this kind of support only in times of particular need, while others enjoy participating on a continuing basis.

Some Questions To Ask YourselfIf you answer “yes” — or even “maybe” — to most of the following questions, joining a support group may be a positive step for you.

If you answer “yes” — or even “maybe” — to most of the following questions, joining a support group may be a positive step for you.

1. Are you comfortable sharing your feelings with others in a similar situation?

2. Are you interested in hearing others’ feelings about their experiences?

3. Could you benefit from the advice of others who have gone through cancer treatment?

4. Do you enjoy being part of a group?

5. Do you have helpful information or hints to share with others?

6. Would reaching out to support others with a cancer history give you satisfaction?

7. Would you feel comfortable working with others who have different ways of approaching problems & moving ahead with life?

8. Are you interested in learning more about cancer & the issues that people who have had cancer may face?

For more information on support groups, here are a few web sites to check out:

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org Cancer Care
www.cancercareinc.org