Support groups have been beneficial to many people living with chronic diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies show arthritis support groups can improve mood, provide better coping skills, decrease pain and provide relief from negative emotions, such as fear, resentment and hopelessness, according to Vicki Helgeson, PhD, of Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, who has studied the impact of support groups for more than a decade.
However, support groups sometimes get a bad rap because some can become a ceaseless cycle of negativity in which members continuously vent, but do not learn to cope and accept their illness.
“Some people don’t like support groups, because they think they’re a pity party,” says Ellen Fleischer, 67, who started a support group with fellow RA patients after they became acquainted in her doctor’s office in Delray Beach, Fla. “But I think arthritis support groups can be exactly the opposite. I think they empower people.”
“Certain support groups might be more beneficial than others in providing skills that enable members to move on,” says Helgeson.
例如，由专业人士主持的教育小组设定正式的节奏，而同侪或自助小组则是由参与者进行的开放式练习。“我发现同伴讨论小组对在家缺乏支持的人最有效，”Helgeson说，并指出，对于那些确实有重要支持系统的人，教育支持小组可能更有用。
无论领导者是专业人士还是同行，你都应该询问领导者的角色——她会促进讨论还是主持讨论，让参与者不会分享不准确的健康信息?赫尔格森喜欢那些由公正的训练有素的领导人主持的小组。
“当领导者参与讨论时，成功治愈的可能性更大，”Helgeson说。“这就是为什么领导人的资格是如此重要。”
Finding the right group
There are several types of support groups:
Closed –not open to public without preregistration; requires commitment to attend a set number of sessions.
Group therapy –directed by a mental health professional, with a time-limited purpose for specific therapeutic goals. Some teach coping skills and relaxation techniques.
Peer –led by a fellow patient, this group’s casual format focuses on sharing experiences, and learning from others’ experiences.
Educational –features an expert’s presentation, with a question-and-answer session.
Online –support found on Facebook or chat sites are considered peer groups.
The Arthritis Foundation has a nationwide network of peer-led social, networking and support groups, called Live Yes! ConnectSM，这加强了我们为那些希望结识志同道合者的人提供联系、教育和赋权的能力。找到一个活的是的!ConnectSMgroup near you, check out this list of local support groups forAdults with arthritisandJA Parents.
As we continue to enhance our tools and resources, you’ll be able to find even more arthritis support groups using ourArthritis Resource Finder!
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Hi I wanted to know how would I find a peer support group for arthritis near me?
I live in Cary, NC. I have had both knees and both hips replaced and now I am facing shoulder replacement. I am very down about this. Pain is my constant companion.
Hi,
My husband has been diagnosed with RA just recently, I was wondering if there are any support groups for those that live with sufferers of the disease .