When You Need Group Support
In full transparency, I’ll admit, early in my recovery I was not at all interested in attending the spinal cord injury support group that was offered every Thursday at my hospital’s community center. I would often boycott the mandatory powwow of fifteen, or so, attendees made up of mostly chronically injured (5 years or more) and a hand full of newly injured patients—my neighbors in the ward. I didn’t want to hear about the struggles of life with an injury, or how to adapt to this circumstance, or that. I didn’t want to listen to a psychiatrist talk about sex and intimacy, or reveal the humiliating challenge of incontinence… Then again, I was only twenty years old, and quite rebellious at the time.
I look back now and think about the value of those groups and the priceless wisdom shared by those who had been living long and well with a spinal cord injury. I would definitely encourage my younger self to attend and listen, to observe and share, no matter my angst or insecurity.
I have since attended many groups over the years and have absorbed a ton from my peers, I even hosted my own support group for awhile at my former rehab gym. What I learned is that we can all use group support and camaraderie at times—gifting each other a shoulder to lean on, or a smile to lift spirits, or simply, some useful tips.
For me, it boils down to trust. In a group of similarly affected folks, there is an underlying empathy, an understanding of suffering and the complexities of life with physical complications. And although, I like to trust my healthcare professionals and hope they understand my needs, I know for a fact that others in my situation can give me sound life advice for my specific adversity. That is why I am such a strong proponent for the; “It takes a village” approach to life with an injury.
With that in mind, below is a list of notable in person & online support group resources within our Shield Healthcare network. I hope you find the value in the village, as I did. Enjoy!
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Ohio
Illinois
Texas
Washington
Miscellaneous
Best in Health,
Aaron
I have progressive MS and I find it hard sometimes to have a positive attitude. How do you reach out to others?
