Support Groups

If you don’t have a friend or know someone that has epilepsy there are always support groups that you can rely on.  Support groups are everywhere. There are two major types of support groups, face-to-face support groups and online support groups. There are many pros and cons to these types of support groups.

Face-to-face support groups usually have a professional that runs the whole group. Sometimes they may have each meeting planned out as to what the topic is that night. Also by meeting face-to-face you get to know the people in the group personally and hopefully make some friendships in the long run. As you go to a face-to-face support group it usually requires some measure of reciprocity.

You can find face-to-face support groups within your community, such as your local hospital. If you do not know of any local support groups in your community ask your neurologist, family doctor or your local Epilepsy Foundation. If there is no support groups in your area that pertain to epilepsy be open to other support groups that may be offered, such as a Brain Injury support group.

 You would be surprised how someone with a brain injury can have similar situations to someone with epilepsy even if they don’t have seizures. Some of the things you might have in common are cognitive difficulties, not being able to drive, medication issues, or depression. There is always a way to relate to someone, so keep your options open when looking into a support group within your community.

Face-to-face support groups also have there down falls. Keep in mind as being part of a local support group you have the possibility of running into a support group members outside of the meeting environment, which could cause embarrassment. Also, as most face-to-face support groups have planned meeting times, it might be difficult for you to attend each meeting. As an individual you may even feel concerned about your personal appearance when attending a local support group and if a topic may occur that bothers you or you do not feel comfortable talking about it may be difficult to dismiss yourself from the meeting.

If a local support group is not an option because of transportation issues, distance you would have to travel or you find it overwhelming then there are always online support groups. Online support groups are a great way to meet people without them really knowing your true identity. It also gives you the ability to participate at your own convenience, as most online support groups are open to the pubic 24/7. This also allows you to connect with others from other parts of the country unlike face-to-face support groups. Even though you might be part of an online support group you have the ability to participate without leaving messages. Just by reading other people’s comments and stories might be all you need to feel better about your circumstance.

However, there can be some cons to online support groups. As people may make comments the downfall is that you may not know that persons tone of voice as they are talking to you and you might take there comment out of context. Not only might you not know the tone of voice they are using, but what they write could simply be misinterpreted or misread.  Also, as you take part in online support groups you never know if that some people are part of the support group for support or if they are there just there to lurk.

When you are looking for an online support group you can find them through websites and on social networking sites. In the back of this book I will provide you with a list of online support groups that you could visit.  Again, keep your options open. If you have a local support group near you I would suggest trying it out. You might like the feeling that you get to meet others with similar situations as yourself and knowing that they are there to listen to your concerns and give you input.  Plus in the end you might become friends and rely on one another for support like my friend Kathleen and I.

If you gave a face-to-face support group a try and you did not like it, you know that there are always online support groups. For all you know both types of support groups could be helpful for you. What you need to know is that you are not alone and that there is help out there if you need it. By trying a support group whether it is face-to-face or online there is a good chance in the end you will feel better about yourself and know that you are not alone.