The Value Of Pain Support Groups Online

By Marissa Velazquez


Individuals enduring chronic pain often withdraw from social interaction. It is too hard for them to put up a facade and endure well meaning advice. In a situation like this, pain support groups online can have a valuable function. They enable these sufferers to interact with others who will understand exactly what they are going through and share the bad and the good times with them.

Those who experience this type of suffering often feel tremendously guilty about the burden they place on their loved ones. They do not want to burden them even more by subjecting them to all their emotions and feelings. A group like this provides an arena where they can unburden themselves to those in similar situations who will understand their need to vent.

People may feel that they are suffering enough themselves and do not want to hear about the aches and pains of others. This can be true but on the whole, fellow sufferers tend to be both constructive and supportive. Humor is often used as a tool for coping and far from participants always dwelling on the negative, they may inspire and uplift others by their courage and fortitude in the face of suffering.

Of course participants in such groups come from a wide cross section of society. They are of all ages, genders, nationalities and races. This offers a diversity of opinions and experiences. Participants can draw from this wide pool and not only find comfort but help for many practical problems too. As soon as a specific problem is posted, various solutions will usually be suggested.

Accessibility is one of the main benefits of such a group. Even those who have no access to transport or who are not mobile or bedridden are able to participate. No matter what the circumstance, access to such a group is possible. There are participants available at all times of the day or night, so there is no time, even in the early hours of the morning, when help cannot be accessed.

As these encounters are not face-to-face, this often actually increases the opportunity for self-disclosure and honesty. There is the potential for discussion of embarrassing issues that sufferers may not feel as free to communicate face-to-face. Feeling this freedom to confide can often result in a growth of real intimacy between fellow participants that makes a great difference to their quality of life.

An important factor in this type of interaction is that it is mutually beneficial. Not only do sufferers receive comfort and companionship when they really need it but they offer the same to others in their time of great need. This is invaluable in a situation where individuals are unable to take part in social interaction in any other way.

Pain support groups online can make a significant difference in the life of someone who is suffering. These individuals often find any other social interaction extremely difficult. With an online group, they can access it when they feel up to it or when they really need help. They can provide comfort to others to and share in all the ups and downs together.




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