Support Groups and Self-Management Education
What is a Support Group?
A support group is a gathering of people who share a common experience or issue. Members of support groups come together to share coping strategies and comfort each other. A support group may be helpful to you if you feel isolated, feel like no one in your life understands what you are going through, or if you need more emotional support.
What is Self-Management Education?
Self-management education refers to programs that help people who have an ongoing health condition learn how to live life to the fullest. Evidence-based self-management programs are clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of a chronic condition and improve quality of life. A self-management education program may be helpful to you if you are open to learning new strategies to manage pain and the symptoms that often accompany pain, such as frustration, fatigue, isolation, or poor sleep.
Please note, the following support groups and self-management programs are independent of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The inclusion of this information is not intended to reflect approval by the Department of Health, nor is it intended to endorse products or services offered.
If you are interested in one of the below opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to the group/program leader and ask questions to decide if it may be the right fit for you. It is important to ask about any potential costs associated with the group/program and talk to your healthcare provider before making important decisions regarding pain treatment or care.
You may also search for in-person/online support groups by condition. Visit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/chronic-illness