Parkinson's Journey

Everyone’s encouraging everyone to get into a support group. Divorce, alcohol addiction, smokers unite, chocolate meltdowns, anger management, depression, illnesses, Baskin Robbins Forum for Behavioral Addiction to Chocolate Chip Milkshakes…
I think perhaps I said too much.

At any rate, if you have PD or any other illness or addiction, by now someone, somewhere, somehow has most likely suggested the words ‘support group’. Now, if you are like me, the mere mention of the words ‘support group’, conjures up visions of bearing your soul to strangers and having one of them become your newest high-maintenance friend.

I know I’m exaggerating and I hope you do too, but honestly, they scare me. And, I found someone else who fears the same thing! I suppose you could call us part of a group called, Support Grouphobia.

Sheryl Jedlinkski of Plan for Life says this:

“I knew from the get go that ready made support groups were not for me. I am not now, nor have I ever been, a “joiner,” not of Brownies, sororities, or political parties. Still I need to share my feelings and fears with others who have “shuffled a mile in my orthopedic shoes,” so what are my options? I created my own support network of on-line friends I met while volunteering for various Parkinson’s related projects. The strength, courage, and support of these women has carried me through many an emotional meltdown.”

You go, Sheryl! I have found that same thing to be true – online support groups are the bomb! That’s how I met Judy, my PJ partner. Our tears while typing floated us down the PD river and our boats bumped into each other and now the tears have turned to laughter and after almost a year, we’re going to meet in 3 days! I am so excited I could jump up and down!

All to say, a support group is healthy for you if you are living with an illness. Why? It’s good to get with someone who really understands your struggles and if you’re not struggling, then someone needs you to lean on! It’s good to share information – medication concerns, what to possibly expect/be prepared for, symptom clarification, lingo deciphering, relationship issues, etc. It is invaluable. You can laugh, you can cry – you can be someone else’s high-maintenance friend!

So, if you can’t decide whether to get involved in a support group, may I encourage you to be like a tennis shoe and… just do it.

Journeying with you,

Sherri

Other articles you might like;

• Slightly Worn Cribs
• Tips for Salmon Fishing
• Finding Good Used Cribs