Navigating life after a stroke can be overwhelming and discouraging. Often, you may not know where to find emotional support, or whom to talk. Luckily, support groups provide stroke survivors a comfortable environment to learn, share stories, gain encouragement and develop long-term friendships. This blog lists out benefits of joining a stroke support group in details.
1. Acquiring helpful information
Regardless of support group format, you will find many people with stroke-led impairments similar to yours. They can offer you valuable information and tips, including where to find reliable medical information, how to communicate better with your doctor, and what useful resources are available. Hence, a support group gives you an opportunity to:
- Expand your breadth of knowledge and experience
- Develop an understanding of what to expect and how to prepare
- Compare notes about resources, doctors, best practices and alternative stroke rehab options
2. Feeling less alone
Feeling isolated or lonely can be a vicious cycle a stroke survivor can put himself through. Finding a connection with others can help overcome some of these struggles. It can be helpful just getting to talk with other people who are in the same boat.
By expressing your thoughts, feelings and sharing what you’ve learned from stroke, you may begin to feel less alone. After all, a support group is a safe space in which stroke survivors can voice their feelings, concerns, and anxieties without fear of judgment. This will help you:
- Gain a sense of empowerment and control
- Improve your coping skills and sense of adjustment
- Talk openly and honestly about your feelings
- Reduce distress, depression or anxiety
3. Building the right attitude for speedy recovery
The right attitude is a big part of emotional and physical healing after stroke. Stroke groups challenge people to get beyond their self-imposed limitations. When you see fellow support members making great strides toward having happier and healthier lives, it gives you hope that recovery after stroke is in fact attainable. This brings renewed hope for the future.
4. Understanding yourself
Often, the stroke may contribute to a survivor’s withdrawal from social situations. As you work through various issues and concerns in the group, you will begin to notice a reduced level of distress and discomfort. This will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your social needs. You can also gain increased insight about the factors that have contributed to depression after stroke and the strategies that work best to help you push toward your goals.
This Blog is contributed by Dr. Deepak Kr. Nain. He is a certified therapist who specializes in the field of rehabilitation. Deepak possesses a clinical expertise in prescribing the best solutions to help people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
