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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.

Loved ones who have to care for someone who is suffering are often devastated by the experience. The sufferer often feels guilty about the burden these loved ones are forced to bear. This is when communicating with others online can provide a valuable outlet. Thoughts and emotions may be expressed that loved ones would find hard to handle.

This is not a case of going online to complain and whine or seek attention. Of course, there will always be those who take advantage of such a situation to do just that. However, most sufferers are genuinely concerned about their fellow sufferers and are very supportive because they know what they are experiencing. It is not just the aches and pains that are shared but amusing as well as courageous and uplifting stories.

The participants usually come from a wide diversity of backgrounds and from all over the world. Factors like age, racial identity, gender and social status are not as obvious in such a group. An international pool of experience and companionship is available from which participants can draw. It is even possible to find solutions to practical problems. The problem can be shared and an answer is sure to come from one of the many participants.

One of the great benefits is that participants have access to others at all times, even right through the night. There are no barriers like geography or transport to overcome. The disabilities of the person do not matter either, such as lack of mobility or even the fact that they are bedridden. Even if an intense bout is experienced during the night, logging on can provide the support needed to get through the rough patch.

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 do a great deal to enhance the quality of life of a participant. They are particularly relevant in situations where other social interaction is limited. Participants can access help at any time, despite their circumstances, and even help others and improve their lives too. The functioning of such a group is not limited by factors such as where participants live, the time of day or night, or disabilities they may have to cope with.




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