Everyone needs support and encouragement from time to time. As much as your family and friends may love you, if they don’t have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, they can’t fully understand what you are going through. Support groups, whether they are in person or online, offer you the opportunity to interact with others who face the same problems and challenges you do.
If you're thinking about starting a support group, here are six steps to help you get started. You’ll also find:
Whether you are looking for an established group, an online group, or want to start your own support group, these resources should help you get started.
Finding a Support Group
A support group can be an excellent source of encouragement and education. Often it is helpful just to be with people who know what you are going through. A good support group will also teach you more about your illness and keep you informed of medical advances.
Online Support Groups
If you’re not able to go to a local support group, don’t have one in your area, or are looking for support between meetings, online support groups may be your answer.
Meet three people who have started successful online support groups and learn more about their groups:
- Meet Rich Carson, Founder of ProHealth, Inc.
Profile of Rich Carson, chronic fatigue syndrome patient and founder of ProHealth, Inc. and immunesupport.com. - Meet Ken Euteneier, Founder of FibroHugs
Profile of Ken Euteneier, fournder of FibroHugs, a support site for people suffering from fibromyalgia and related illnesses featuring message forums and live chats. - Meet Lisa Copen, Founder of Rest Ministries, Inc.
Profile of Lisa Copen who founded Rest Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit Christian organization serving people with chronic illnesses.
If you're thinking about starting a support group, here are six steps to help you get started. You’ll also find: