STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
When someone is told they have a newly diagnosed disease or illness, it can be devastating. Natural feelings of worry, uncertainty, and grief are often experienced. The stress of not understanding everything about a disease can cause a lot of frustration and confusion. A lot of people end up feeling alone and hopeless. But there is help available!
Having social support has been found to help people cope with their health issues. By joining an online support group, you can find that social support, no matter the physical distance between one another. Online support groups help improve moods and aid people to recover more quickly from their disease.
Benefits of online support groups:
- Accessible from all over the world through the internet
- Can be used at individual’s convenience
- Ability to find and relate to others with the same health issues
- Less embarrassing talking through computer than in person
- May learn from others’ experiences while remaining anonymous
- Feeling informed and emotionally supported
- Chance for social interaction if wanted
- Ability to ask and answer questions
- A way to express yourself through writing
- Give and receive resources, support, and encouragement
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is a common concern for people especially
when it comes to their personal health information. It would be wise to first read
the privacy policies listed on all websites you might consider joining. If a
website asks for your personal information such as; full name, address, or
additional contact information, you should avoid it to protect your own
identity.
-ADHD Parents Together is a website that allows parents to
unite in raising their ADHD children. Members can post a message and read
others’ replies. It’s a forum that allows these parents to express themselves
and receive strength through the experiences and encouragement of others. 
-AlzConnected is a place where those with Alzheimer’s can
share their concerns and receive recommendations on how to deal with this
disease. There is a Caregivers Forum that shares advice, coping strategies, and
provides reassurance. It even addresses people who have lost a loved one to
Alzheimer’s.
-American Diabetes Association is a great resource for those who live with Pre, Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. There is even a tab for caregivers of diabetic patients.
-NAMI stands for
National Alliance of Mental Illness. The website encompasses information on a variety of mental illnesses such as; anxiety disorders, Bipolar, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and more. They address related conditions such as self-harm, sleep disorders, and suicide. It teaches the warning signs of mental illness and provides ways to cope.
National Alliance of Mental Illness. The website encompasses information on a variety of mental illnesses such as; anxiety disorders, Bipolar, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and more. They address related conditions such as self-harm, sleep disorders, and suicide. It teaches the warning signs of mental illness and provides ways to cope.
-The American Cancer Society provides resources for those
who have been touched by cancer in any way. Through this website, you can find
support programs in your geographical area. One link shown on their website is
called MyLifeLine and it allows those who are fighting cancer to share updates,
coordinate help with meals, rides to treatment, etc., feel empowered through receiving
supportive messages, learn more about their specific cancer type, and control
their privacy settings. 
-VictimConnect is an online resource center for those who
have experienced domestic violence. It provides a list of options for the
individual wanting to escape their situation. It aids those individuals in
developing a Safety Plan which helps the victim stay safe while in the
relationship, while they’re planning to leave, and after they leave.
Chung, J. E. (2014). Social networking
in online support groups for health: How online social networking benefits
patients. Journal of Health Communication, 19(6), 639-659.
doi:10.1080/10810730.2012.757396
