How to Join an Arthritis Support Group

Joining a network of others living with a similar condition is one way to find support after an arthritis diagnosis. Take comfort in the experiences of others when you find a support group that suits your schedule and your needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Therapist or counselor
• Physician
• Social worker

Reach Out to Others for Support

1. Talk to your physician about ongoing group therapy sessions within his medical group. He may be able to refer you to a therapist or social worker who specializes in the needs of arthritis patients.
2. Work with a counselor or therapist to identify the arthritis support group that will work best for you. Since the experiences of those with arthritis may differ drastically from patient to patient, features you should look when selecting a support group include similar diagnosis, age group and possibly gender.
3. Find a day camp which specializes in activities for children with arthritis for your child. Though juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of the disease among children, you may find sponsored camps for other types of arthritis as well.
4. Join a telephone or online support group for arthritis sufferers if you are unable to travel easily to meetings outside of your home. Telephone groups may operate on a specific schedule with regular phone-in conferences, while online support groups may be conducted less formally by individuals as well as by large non-profit groups.
5. Get support as a caregiver by looking for a caregiver support network. There are a number of online support groups for caregivers that feature bulletin boards and discussion forums where you can give and receive advice regarding caring for another person with arthritis.
6. Ask for help from an organization dedicated to serving those with arthritis such as the Arthritis Foundation (see Resources below). Offering informational literature and events throughout the country, foundations such as AF provide arthritis sufferers with support, as well as acting as their advocates in ongoing research.
7. Get involved and support the research to cure arthritis by enlisting in a fundraising walk or run. Events are scheduled regularly to support the research for a cure of both adult and juvenile arthritis.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to join an online support group, remember to use the same caution that you would when communicating with any other individual via the Internet. Never share your personal or financial information.