If you’re facing an illness or stress, you don’t have to go it alone!

A support group can help you find others who’ve faced your challenges before. You’ll learn about what works best for you. Support groups bring together those who are going through or who have already gone through similar experiences. Common ground includes cancer, chronic illness, addiction, bereavement, and caregiving.

A support group provides a place where people can come together to discuss issues they may not feel comfortable discussing elsewhere.

Remember that a support network isn’t a replacement for regular medical treatment. Tell your doctor if you are taking part in a support group. You may not feel comfortable talking to someone else who has had cancer, so ask your doctor whether he/she thinks a support group would be helpful. If you aren’t sure what kind of help you need, ask your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a counselor or therapist who specializes in helping people cope with cancer.

People who suffer from chronic diseases often find themselves isolated from others because they feel embarrassed about their illness. They may also lack understanding of how their condition affects them emotionally. Support groups can help people cope with these problems and learn ways to manage their illnesses.

Forms of support groups vary, ranging from face-to-face gatherings to telephone conferences or online forums. A layperson – someone who shares or has experienced the same problem – typically leads a support group. However, a group can also be led by a professional, such as a therapist.

Some support groups may provide education, such as a guest speaker, psychologist, nurse or counselor to discuss topics related to the group’s interests. Groups are not the same as individual counseling sessions. Individual counseling is a specific type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping an individual deal with personal problems, issues, or concerns.

The common experience among participants in a support group often means that they share similar feelings, worries, daily problems, treatment choices or treatment side effects. Joining a support group gives you the chance to meet others who may have a shared interest and understanding of your situation.