| Who Needs Support? |
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My topic of discussion, is a topic very near and dear to my heart,
Support Groups. Being a co-facilitator of a support group for people with MS,
I look back and wonder how I got to this point. What was my reason for first
walking through that door, and how that has changed my life.
The term Support Group seemed like a place where you go to pour your
heart and cry, when you are at wits end. And YES that is what first brought
me to my support group. I tried a support group, early in the disease, and
decided it was NOT for me. I had this all under control, I was super MS woman,
and could handle whatever came along, with a positive attitude and dignity. I
felt as though a support group was giving into the disease, and I wasn't ready
to do that.
After a flare of MS and my first bout of IV steroids, I realized, I
couldn't go this alone. Somebody out there was going through the same things I
was going through, and it was time to take that step, and seek support. My
initial contact with the support group facilitator, was warm and welcoming,
which made me feel more at ease, so I went in to my first meeting with an open
mind, and no expectations. My husband accompanied me to my first meeting, as
there is also a group for significant others, and I think that made a
difference, I wasn't going at this alone, I had my partner with me, and
supporting me all the way. And to my amazement, it immediately felt like
home. I was welcomed warmly and included immediately. I knew I had found a
place that would help me cope and become a social outlet as well.
Socializing after MS seemed to be a big ordeal. If we were invited
somewhere there was a stipulation that I was up to it that night, or I needed
to take it easy the entire day, to get ready for whatever event we were
attending that night. Then people stop inviting, and you see your friends less
and less. Maybe that is not everybody's experience, but it was mine. That
brings me to another issue of support. Support can be found everywhere, and I
think you really get to know who your dear friends are when a chronic illness
strikes your family. I am lucky I have great friends and neighbors that
support me in every way I need to be supported. Picking up the kids from
school, bringing over a meal when I'm not feeling well, and attending MS
functions and offering their support for the cause. If you are NOT ready to
make that step to find support through an organized support group, reach out to
family and friends, you'll be surprised they want to help. I guess you just
need to reach out and see what happens.
Support comes in many forms, but its out there, reach for it. Don't go
at this alone. MS can turn your life upside down. Others are going through
the same thing, and may need you as well. We are supporting each other,
working together to find a cure. Until that cure is found, we need all the
help we can get. And the "but you look so good" phrase, can be laughed about
with others that look so good and feel horrible. Yes, people with MS must stick
together, find a buddy with MS on the net, in your hometown, or at a support
group. Let that person be a sounding board and you can be there for them as
well. The main thing is seek support, we need support, we need each other.
The disease will go on, til a cure is found, but these friendships will last a
lifetime. Be Good, Love Each other, And Know somebody is there for you, you
just need to look for them.
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| -Copyright 2003 Michelle Tapia. . |
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