Virtual support group

By Karen McNew

Published: August 4, 2008

When cancer patients talk to other cancer patients there is a common bond.  The same goes for most conditions or illnesses.

Support groups are great, but they aren’t always close by and convenient.  The internet has changed that.

Consumer Reports on Health had an article about how finding patient support online is a growing trend.

With a cyber world of information a few keystrokes away, more and more people are using internet virtual support groups to cope with illnesses and health issues.

Suppose you’re house bound, and you can’t get to the support group for diabetics or cancer patients or whatever it may be.  Then you can do it at home.

Carilion Clinic psychologist Doctor Richard Seidel says while they may make coping easier, don’t rely on them completely.  “No matter what information you’re getting, always go to your doctorbefore you start making any kind of changes for things you are doing for your illness,“ Dr. Seidel says.

There are the more complex interactive sites, like one called second life.  You select a virtual identity before you interact with others.

Or other “real time” support groups like the Association of Cancer.

Online resources, which states on the introduction page that it does not “offer medical advice or professional counseling.“

Dr. Seidel says the best place to start is with the organization that specializes in your disease.  “For example with diabetes, I might go to the American Diabetes Association to get started,“ Dr. Seidel said.

Karen: “When you are going into this whole computer world, it is kind of strange to think about.“

Dr. Seidel: “It is kind of a double edged sword.“

Meaning we may be more honest over the web, because it’s more confidential.  But at the same time we don’t know who is on the other side.

Bottom line, if you surf the support groups safely, it’s easy it’s fast and there is a lot of good that can come out of it.

Dr. Seidel says some of the people who can benefit most are people who are homebound, or can’t find a local support group for their illness.