How to Join a Crohn's Disease Support Group

Living with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's can challenge you physically and mentally. Symptoms may come in fits and starts as the disease flares up and then recedes into remission. Your mood may fluctuate with your health. Whether you've been diagnosed recently or have lived with the condition for several years, a support group can help in many ways. Find out how to connect with one.

Things You'll Need

• Access to your physician
• Access to IBD support networks

Instructions

Find Support Online

1. Locate online chat rooms and message boards on the topic of Crohn's disease or IBDs in general.

2. Realize most of the big Internet service providers have lists of online communities to choose from, and they're free.

3. Take charge of your mental health by getting informed. Exchange information with other Crohn's disease sufferers and get coping tips and techniques.

Find Support in Person

1. Ask your doctor for referrals to local support groups. Your local medical center or community center may sponsor one.

2. Find local support group links through the national organization Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (see Resources below). Services are free if you join, and annual dues are very reasonable.

3. Contact a support group facilitator to find out about time, location and protocol for meetings. Ask him what to expect from the experience.

4. Get connected before you meet. Ask for email contacts so you can introduce yourself, and then you'll already know someone when you get to the meeting.

5. Use support groups to find empathy for your physical or emotional problems that accompany Crohn's disease, such as worrying about finding restroom facilities or recovery after surgery.

6. Use support groups to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's disease. Hold local fundraisers or participate in those sponsored by the national CCFA. Get your group into the newspapers or participate in an educational seminar in your community.

Tips & Warnings

• Talking to others about your disease is a necessary form of emotional therapy. You might be surprised what a big difference support makes in your daily mood.

• Taking action toward finding a cure or helping others with the disease can also improve your mood and your health status.

• Join a group in order to raise awareness about Crohn's disease through fund raisers and publicity.

• Support group participation is not a substitute for ongoing medical treatment. Continue your regular Crohn's disease maintenance program after you join group meetings.

Resources

• Find support groups at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.