Find an Online Support Group

Find a Good Online Support Group

With a good internet connection, you do not have to be alone. Every one of us has our own individual health needs. With a good internet connection, we can meet and talk with others who have similar needs. A good support group can help you to learn more about your own health. You can talk with people who have been there and you can be there go for someone else. Being in a support community can give you the encouragement you need to live a healthier life.

Be Safe

            As great as support groups are you need to be safe. There are many people out there who are good and will be a good friend to you. But, there are also many others who may not have your best interest in mind.

            Here are some tips to help keep you safe.

·       Never give people your personal information online

o   This includes your SSN#, banking information, address, and any other sensitive information.

·       If you are asked to pay money for a service or to join a group check some things first

o   See if they are a real business – all real businesses want you to contact them and should make it easy to find out about them.

§  Call a phone number or look up their address.

§  Find and read reviews online about the company.

o   Ask yourself – Why do they need my information or my money.

·       Never meet someone you met online alone. Insist you talk on the phone first and meet in a very public area.

·       Don’t open any emails from someone you don’t know.

For more tips follow this link: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0038-onguardonline

Find a support group that meets your needs

            As said before, a good support network can be very rewarding if done safely. Here are some support groups sites that are very helpful for the more common struggles we can have. These links are for free non-profit services.

Diabetes, type 1	http://typeonenation.org/
Diabetes, type 2	http://community.diabetes.org/home
Alzheimer’s	http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp
PTSD	http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/peer_support_groups.asp
Cancer	http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/online-support

A quick internet search about your specific need can bring up many services. Just make sure you know if they are trying to help you or just trying to sell you something.