Social Support

Health psychologists have extensively studied the association between social support and mental and physical health and found that it is extremely beneficial in highly stressful situations. There are different forms of social support. One type is practical support, which includes rides to the doctor's office or help around the house. The next type is emotional support, which consists of reassurance, trust, and dependence. The final form of social support is appraisal support, such as help in figuring out what is happening and how to cope with it. Health psychologists have found that family relationships play an important role for the patients' adaption to the serious illness. The family seems to be the vital source in the overall adjustment. If support is nonexistent for the patient then they may respond negatively to their illness and keep their problems hidden, which causes more stress for themselves. If a patient does not have a family, then there are many different support programs that patients can get involved in. These programs focus on various activities like education, emotional support, and socal activism.

The following are links pertaining to social support:

General Support Groups - Allows people with health, personal, and relationship issues to share their experiences through Bulletin Boards & Online Chat and provides links to support-related information on the Internet.
Ann's Place - A growing non-profit organization that supports men, women, children, and families with cancer.
Not Victims - This web site also lists many disorders explaining what they are, what the treatment is, and support that is needed.
Support Works - Lists support groups in one's area and on-line chat opportunities.