If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should familiarize yourself with the various support groups accessible to you. While friends and family may offer support, it may also be beneficial to connect with those who have or are now experiencing breast cancer.
These groups allow people to share knowledge, resources, hopes, and anxieties. Groups may meet in person, over the phone, or online.
Here are six ways a support group might assist you as you navigate life following a breast cancer diagnosis.
1. They enhance your quality of life.
Participating in a support group will help you communicate more effectively with your doctor and family. This can assist you in better managing your treatment plan.
Social connection can elevate your spirits, enhance your outlook, and provide you with something to look forward to, all of which can benefit your emotional health and quality of life.
2. They serve as a source of advice and information.
Do you want to learn about treatment choices, get encouragement, or talk about any personal or family concerns you may be experiencing?
Do you prefer to interact with people coping with any type of disease, or just those with metastatic breast cancer?
Do you prefer attending meetings in person or online? Is an online support group more convenient for your schedule?
Would you prefer a meeting led by a professional or a survivor? Professionals are trained to lead groups and provide members with information and resources. Survivors contribute personal experience, but they may lack the support group skill training required to navigate tough group circumstances.
3. They promote companionship and fellowship.
You may first join a support group because you want to be around other people who are going through similar experiences. However, you may find yourself connecting on a deeper level by sharing your experiences and problems without fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Your other group members may be in different stages of their recovery, but merely hearing about their struggles and achievements can teach you how to deal with your own. Similarly, sharing your personal experience may benefit someone else.
4. They increase your coping skills and help you adapt.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your position, seek help from other members who understand how you feel. Support groups are an excellent place to learn coping methods such as exercise, diet, and meditation to help you handle the stress of sickness.
Members frequently provide significant insight into seemingly minor difficulties, such as navigating the maze of doctor visits, hospital processes, and insurance red tape. They can also provide advice on treatment alternatives and other resources for learning more.
These recommendations can help you adjust to life following a breast cancer diagnosis.
5. They can help you feel less isolated.
Some support group meetings may be structured as open forums to encourage discussion about how you’re feeling and managing your breast cancer on a daily basis.
The group dynamic allows you to express your feelings more openly, so you don’t have to have a stiff upper lip or pretend you’re not terrified or angry. Everyone there has most likely been in a similar position.
6. They permit you to speak honestly.
Some support group meetings may be structured as open forums to encourage discussion about how you’re feeling and managing your breast cancer on a daily basis.
The group dynamic allows you to express your feelings more openly, so you don’t have to have a stiff upper lip or pretend you’re not terrified or angry. Everyone there has most likely been in a similar position.