Sharing experience and camaraderie
There is an inherent bond and camaraderie that exists among people who have suffered the same experience. The same can be said of people who suffer with the same disease or illness. People afflicted with arthritis experience similar difficulties, challenges, and limitations. A unique understanding of what it is like to face these problems connect people with arthritis to each other.
Proximity
It was more difficult 10 or 20 years ago to meet people who were experiencing the same struggles with arthritis. If there were not someone at work, church, within family or a small circle of friends, it was unlikely that many people were nearby who could offer support and understanding from a first-hand perspective. The advent of local support groups, such as those sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, helped to bridge the gap and bring small groups of people together for mutual support.
Mutual Support
With the initial diagnosis of chronic arthritis comes the burden of fear, unawareness, and misunderstanding. The newly diagnosed patient undertakes a search for knowledge and information, attempting to quell the affliction. Emotions are juggled as arthritis takes a more firm grip on a person's life.
Other people who already exist within the realm of pain, fatigue, depression, fear, daily medications, and increasing limitations are an invaluable source of knowledge and understanding. The old adage "walk a mile in my shoes" has special significance to those enduring the tribulation of arthritis.
Electronic Communication
The 90's will be remembered as the era when computers changed how people communicate with each other. The instantaneous delivery of e-mail, and the voluminous resource of information available on the Internet have afforded a quicker pace and easier access. Through chat rooms and online instant messages people have ways of meeting and communicating with each other, bridging the many miles that geographically separate them.
As the computer world continues to grow, and the popularity of the chat room expands, online support groups are being established. The prevalence of online chats allows people with a mutual concern to offer insight, support, and encouragement to each other.
The Voice of the Online Community
Online chats and support groups build a loyal community.
"My world opened up when I found the online arthritis chat group. Having taken leave of my job because of arthritis and joint replacement, I found myself at home a lot wondering if anyone else was going through the same thing that I was. In the chat group I have found wonderful friends, valuable information, and a place to go where we can all say 'I know how you feel'. We are there for each other, sharing, caring, informing, and best of all, understanding", said Ann from West Hills, California.
"The freedom of limitation is a major factor as to why support groups for arthritis are so popular in the computer-created environment. Thanks to the dawn of computer-messaging, people of all forms of ability and disability are allowed to be equal while they are signed on", said Vince from Houston, Texas.
"The arthritis chat group is not just what you see on the screen at each meeting. You have to go for a couple of meetings and get to know the personalities. There is a lot of depth and feeling in some of the statements people make. Sometimes you can read between the lines and know that people are hurting and perhaps not doing well. Online, during the meeting, there might not be enough time to put out a helping hand to a friend. After the meeting though, through e-mail, all kinds of conversations go on", offered Gail from Woodland, California.
Cathy from California said, "I was in a dark tunnel of depression and the chat group was the light at the end of that tunnel leading my way out. There is an honesty about the group. No one sugar-coats anything because this is our reality. We all have chronic arthritis and it hurts. There is no cure and we are working as a team, helping each other deal with the ups and downs that we are challenged with on a daily basis. There is an acceptance in the group which I have not found anywhere else."
Suzanne from Chattanooga, Tennessee believes, "To have found the arthritis chat group has been wonderful in helping me to deal with my arthritis. Talking with others in this country and overseas, and knowing that they are dealing with the same problems day in and day out, has helped me fight off depression and sometimes move beyond my pain. The diversity of the group makes each session fun, informative, and a place where I know I will find consolation, encouragement, and understanding. I don't feel as isolated, alone, and as if the world is passing me by."
Join the Discussion
The Arthritis site on About.com has an active forum/message board available so you can write, read, and post messages to fellow arthritis patients. It's sharing and support.
