I never imagined myself ever joining a support group. Having anxiety and never really wanting to open up about anything, it seemed pointless to me. I think a lot of us have some sort of stereotypical idea about what a support group is and don't think it's the kind of setting we want to be a part of.
That being said, I feel there comes a time when it's something to consider. For me, that time was after I was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer knocks you on your butt and practically turns your life upside down. There's so many questions, information, treatment, surgeries, etc. Trust me, it can be quite overwhelming at times.
I saw my regular counselor and saw a counselor at the Patrick Dempsey Center (a place for cancer patients and their families that provides various services free of charge), located in Lewiston, Maine, for a brief period of time. They both helped a lot, but I didn't truly have anyone to connect with about what I was going through. I joined a program at the center called, From Cancer to Health. It was an 18-week program with a couple of monthly follow-ups. It was sort of like a class, but it was still a support group in some aspects. I learned a ton of information and met some wonderful people during this time. It was nice hearing that others out there felt the same way I did.
My first true support group is the one I am currently attending called Living Well (A support group for people with cancer of any stage-even survivorship-and their loved ones), also at the Dempsey Center. I love this group. The people I have met are amazing and I look forward to going every single week.
It has helped me deal with a lot of the feelings and thoughts I bottled up during treatment.
It's given me people to relate to.
The facilitator of the group is awesome. She is so kind and helpful and works hard. She created a safe environment for all of us and plans out topics for us to discuss and helps to guide us.
Joining this support group is one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
It's nothing like how I pictured a support group would be. I think that it's worth trying if it's something that you think might help you. I may have just gotten lucky with my group. I know some people who have tried other groups and it didn't work out for them, but then a different one did. This is one of those situations where you have to be willing to try again if it doesn't work out at first.
In addition to finding people to connect with, there is the obvious mental health benefit you get. You're getting out of your own head for a little while and talking with people who understand, who will share their story with you to let you know that you're not alone. It's how I felt once I joined my group. I got to hear people talk about their experience and what they've dealt with. It validated a lot of what I was feeling.
I truly think support groups are a good thing. I never imagined myself joining one, but I did and I don't regret it in the slightest. I highly recommend giving it a try if you have no before. It's not for everyone, I understand that but who knows, it might be for you.
