Joining a support group can be a positive step in taking control of your health and mental well-being. When you have a long-term health condition it is easy to feel alone and isolated — to feel that you are the only person who is struggling.
The Benefits
The Mayo Clinic reports that the benefits of participating in a support group may include:
Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
Improving skills to cope with challenges
Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans
Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope
Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it
Getting practical feedback about treatment options
Learning about health, economic or social resources
You can read more about support groups and their health benefits here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655
The Pituitary Foundation Support Groups
Groups are run mainly by volunteers offering regular meetings for those with Pituitary conditions and supported by the Pituitary Foundation with training, advice and guidance. These are safe spaces to meet with others and discuss common problems and concerns. There's a mixture of online and in-person groups as well as some specific condition groups — so you can pick the best option for you.
Regular events run around the country and each month The Pituitary Foundation run online Welcome Events to introduce you to the work they do to support the pituitary community. A great place to find out what’s happening and what you would like to be involved with.
In addition, there are telephone buddies. This is a 1-1 service that volunteers run. It offers the chance to have someone listen, offer practical tips, share their own experiences and give you encouragement. The Foundation will link you with someone who has knowledge of the same condition that you do and you’ll get three sessions together. Sign up on the link below:
Mental Health Support Groups
Peer support can be particularly helpful for those with mental health needs. The Mental Health Foundation have a great guide to the different types of support that is available from support groups to mentoring and befriending services to online forums.
Overcoming Obstacles to Running Support Groups
Psychology Today offers some great advice to anyone keen to set up a group themselves. In ‘The Value of Support Groups’ they offer thirteen different things to consider — from choosing the right population, engaging with a mentor, deciding on your format and then identifying the topics which you will approach in your meetings.
Any group that offers the chance to engage with others who understand what it’s like to live with a long-term health condition and/or disability will provide some benefits. Family and friends can also benefit by gaining a better understanding of what you are going through and it may be helpful to take someone along with you to increase your confidence.
Ensure you utilise a recognised health charity or get a good recommendation from them or a member of your medical team. This will ensure that you are accessing a group with sound medical knowledge and the right kind of support for your condition.
Good luck and enjoy!