The Value of Support Part 3

The goal for this entire series is to give readers a chance to understand others with the same illness. Knowing that living is still possible can be enough to keep going for more each day.

There seems to be a lot of stigma attached to CFS. It can be emotionally damaging to be persecuted for a disease with no testing available to prove to the general public that you're not faking for 3 years, off from work, to lie around in pain while suffering from lack of sleep.

Below, Matthew Hogg Hogg of www.ei-resource.org explains his views on support groups.

What do you view as the most important factor in choosing a support group?

Hogg: I would have to say the most important thing is the scope of its interests. Some groups focus on only one aspect of the illness, like research or one particular treatment; I prefer groups that cover everything in one place. Obviously it is also important to know that a group has lots of members that use it regularly, I've joined groups before where there's hardly any communication at all. If we're talking about physical groups then location is also important as you don't want to be traveling long distances to meet up, you'd end up feeling too ill for it to be any use.

Why do you think it is important to go to support groups?

Hogg: I think support groups are important for a number of reasons. First of all, it is important to know that other people are going through similar difficult experiences. Knowing you are not alone does make a positive difference to your outlook. Secondly, support groups are a great place to discover new information about possible treatments and just coping with life in general as well as exchanging personal experiences etc.

Couldn't people just do it on their own?

Hogg: From my own personal point of view I would have to say yes to this question because I am the kind of person who likes to do everything myself and am equally at home in company or on my own. I prefer to be the one giving answers rather than asking for them. Having said that, I've found internet support groups helpful, especially message boards, for finding answers to questions I am struggling with. For a lot of people I would think the answer would be "no" because they need to have people around them all the time, especially when going through hard times like struggling with an illness. It all depends on an individuals personality, people cope in different ways.

Go To Page: 1 2