Support Groups - What do they offer?
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Being diagnosed with cancer is perhaps the most frightening time
in a person's life. The three words "you have cancer" can induce
heightened feelings of anxiety and fear. Finding support to help
one cope not only with the physical component, but the mental,
social and emotional components is also very important.
For purposes of this blog, I will focus on the benefits of
support groups and how they can play an integral role in helping
one cope with a diagnosis of cancer. There are many different ways
individuals and families can find support. Support groups offer
certain things that other supportive resources may not, such as a
sense of camaraderie and understanding. People often find comfort
and support by talking with and listening to others who are also
dealing with something very similar. I co-facilitate a support
group for individuals with blood cancers and their support person,
through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and have seen the
benefits a support group can offer. Individuals and their support
person find this venue to be a "safe" place to vent their feelings
and offer/gather support. That sense of camaraderie is very evident
and it is great to see the hope and support that is offered.
Sometimes, it's nice to have one's feelings validated or get
suggestions or comfort from others who are on a very similar
journey with cancer. The hope of this is that people can find
better ways to cope with the day to day stressors cancer can
induce. It is important to mention that groups can be just for the
patient or include a support person. Also keep in mind that the
patient is in control of their level of participation and can
attend on a short term or long-term basis.
When considering a support group, it is important that there are
trained facilitators to help lead the group and keep things on
track. Support groups may not be for everyone and if you are
unsure, please talk to the oncology social worker or other
supportive staff at the cancer center for help in finding an
appropriate group or other type of supportive resource. Sometimes a
person may benefit more from individual counseling and their cancer
care team can help with this. Support groups can come in different
forms, such as face-to-face, online, or over the phone. I would
again direct you to speak with an oncology social worker or other
supportive staff at your cancer center for guidance and a listing
of safe and credible supports. It can be very daunting to navigate
things online and it is important that you are getting safe and
credible information and support.
Carrie Olm MSW, Oncology Social Worker at St. Elizabeth
Hospital