Connect to Heal Support System

Connect to Heal Support System

Connect to Heal support group is a place for meeting people with cancer and those touched by the disease. They can have many benefits. Even though a lot of people receive support from friends and family, the number one reason they join a Connect to heal  is to be with others with similar cancer experiences. Some research shows that joining a support group improves both quality of life and survival.

Support groups can:

           

Help you feel better, more hopeful, and not so alone

            Give you a chance to talk about your feelings and work through them

            Help you deal with practical problems, such as problems at work or school

            Help you cope with side effects of treatment

I can't tell you how nice it was to hear other cancer patients share the same fears, worries, and joys that I have. I can be completely honest with these people. I'd leave some of the sessions almost dizzy with relief.

Types of Support Groups

Connect to Heal focus on all kinds of cancer. Others talk about just one kind, such as a group for women with breast cancer or one for men with prostate cancer. Some can be open to everyone or just for people of a certain age, sex, culture, or religion. For instance, some groups are just for teens or young children.

Connect to Heal can also be helpful for children or family members. These groups focus on family concerns such as role changes, relationship changes, financial worries, and how to support the person with cancer. Some groups include both cancer survivors and family members.

Telephone support groups are when everyone dials in to a phone line that is linked together, like a conference call. They can share and talk to others with similar experiences from all over the country. There is usually little or no charge.

Is a Support Group Right for Me?

A support group may not be right for everyone. For some people, hearing about others' problems can make them feel worse. Or you may find that your need for a support group changes over time.

            Before joining a group, here are questions you may want to ask yourself:

            Am I comfortable talking about personal issues?

            Do I have something to offer to the group?

            What do I hope to gain by joining a group?

Support groups vary greatly, and if you have one bad experience, it doesn't mean these groups aren't a good option for you. You may also want to find another cancer survivor with whom you can discuss your cancer experience. Many organizations can pair you with someone who had your type of cancer and is close to your age and background.

Many survivors should consider attending a support group at one time or another during their diagnosis and treatment, but those with a recurrence or metastasis may be reluctant to attend. One reason is that they do not have the patience or sympathy to listen to some one who is upset about diagnosis of early stage of cancer. Another reason is concern over scaring someone else in the group who has a much better prognosis. It is also very common to be afraid to deal with the death of a support group member.

“ Even with excellent communication with family and friends , there is no substitute for talking with other survivors who are dealing with similar circumstances. Peer-to-Peer Support through CTH “