Support groups have been proven to be a valuable tool in helping people with challenges cope with the changes they are going through. Studies have shown (Bright, Baker & Neimeyer, 1999) that mutual support groups are “generally just as effective as trained therapists at alleviating moderate levels of depression.” When we are going through traumatic periods of challenge in our lives we sometimes need to turn to others who are going through the same challenges, people who can understand first-hand what we are experiencing. Friends and loved ones offer valuable support of another kind, but their experience is colored by their emotional attachment. In a mutual support group we are accepted as we are by people who may not know us deeply but have a great understanding of what it is like to cope with the same challenges we are going through.
While there are many mutual support groups for cancer, there are far fewer support groups for lymphedema patients. People with lymphedema often feel isolated because it can sometimes be difficult to get a proper diagnosis and it is also frequently hard to find treatment. They are also experiencing disturbing changes in their physical appearance. Mutual support groups are a great way to network as well as to experience a great emotional comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles with this condition.
There is a real hunger for lymphedema support groups. We had a report from a therapist in Newfoundland that she started a lymphedema support group and 22 people came to her initial meeting!
To find out about support groups in Canada, visit the Lymphovenous Canada web site at this address: http://www.lymphovenous-canada.ca/groups1.htm. This link also leads to a section on provincial lymphedema associations.
Another place to post support group announcements is at the LinkedIn site Canadian Lymphedema Awareness Group. Lymphedema Depot also has a FaceBook page (just search for Lymphedema Depot Ltd.) that can be used for posting support group announcements.
Seek out the lymphedema support group in your area. If one doesn’t already exist, try starting one!
Tags: Canadian Lymphedema Awareness Group, living with lymphedema, Lymphedema, Lymphedema groups, lymphedema help, lymphedemia, lymphoedema
