Many people diagnosed with Huntington's Disease find themselves dealing, not only with the physical symptoms of the disease, but with a wide range of emotional issues such as stress, anxiety and fear of what the future will bring. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, finding help and support from caring, compassionate people who understand the full effects of this condition, can be a tremendous relief. Follow these simple steps to locate, and use a support group specifically designed for people with Huntington's disease and their families.
Instructions
1. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about support available groups. Most physicians can give you the contact information for a group that meets in your area.
2. Make the call. Although the initial contact can sometimes seem frightening, keep in mind that others in the group have also been where you are today.
3. Speak honestly. Use the group as an outlet for the many emotions you are feeling. Being with others who are going through the same circumstances as yourself, should allow you to feel more comfortable when sharing your deepest fears and frustrations. Remember that you are not alone. Whatever you are feeling, or going through, chances are that others in your group have been there too.
4. Listen and learn. Ask questions from other member of the group. Gain knowledge from the information that they can share. Whether you want to find out about new and different medical treatments, or discover new ways to deal with the emotional stress, the other members of your group will have a lot to offer, in terms of both information and experience.
5. Establish your support system. There will be some people in the group that you just naturally "click" with. Those people can be a tremendous source of support for you, both inside and outside of the group. Exchange phone numbers or email addresses, and work on building a friendship outside of the group as well.
6. Support others. Sometimes helping another person through a difficult time is the best way to help ourselves. Reaching out to others in the group gives us a greater sense of purpose, and meaning. It sometimes can take our minds off of ourselves, and our own difficulties, when we make the effort to help another hurting person.
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