Yesterday was the monthly meeting of my lupus support group. A thirty-something young man came for the first time. Before we even started he wanted to know what we "do" in the group. Most first timers have the same concern. In addition, the first time they come to the group is a big step because it means really admitting they have the disease. When we have people who are new to the group, we typically introduce ourselves and give a very brief description of how lupus manifests itself in our bodies. The veterans are pretty dispassionate when they talk about their lupus. We have learned to incorporate lupus, but not make it the center of our lives. When a new person comes to the group, everyone in the group focuses on the needs and questions of that person. I love to see them in action!
This young man was very angry about having lupus. Anyone with a chronic illness knows about this anger phase. We also know that talking about difficult emotions diffuses them. The group ran long-over two hours. At the end, the young man was laughing, chatting, and still asking questions. Support groups are great places to hear how others have learned to live well despite the fact that their diseases and conditions have no cure.
Most disease foundations have support groups. If you are suffering in isolation, why not consider visiting a group?
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