When do you need emotional support?

You might find getting support from others helpful when you have a long-term health problem. Often people feel alone, confused, or scared when coping with an illness. But you aren't alone. Other people are going through the same thing you are and know how you feel.

Talking with others about your feelings can help you feel better.

Your family and friends can give you support. So can your doctor, a support group, or a church. If you have a support network, you will not feel as alone. You will learn new ways to deal with your situation, and you may try harder to overcome it.

Where you can get support

• Family and friends: They can help you cope by giving you comfort and encouragement.
• Counselling: Professional counselling can help you cope with situations that interfere with your life and cause stress. Counselling can help you understand and deal with your illness.
• Your doctor: Find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Be open and honest about your fears and concerns. Your doctor can help you get the right medical treatments, including counselling.
• Spiritual or religious groups: They can provide comfort and may be able to help you find counselling or other social support services.
• Social groups: They can help you meet new people and get involved in activities you enjoy.
• Community support groups: In a support group, you can talk to others who have dealt with the same problems or illness as you. You can encourage one another and learn ways to cope with tough emotions.

How can you find a support group?

Finding a support group that works for you may take time. There are many options. Some groups have a group leader who helps lead discussions or shares information. Others are less formal. Some meet in person, while others meet online.

Try using these resources to help you find the best support group for you.

• Your doctor, health care team, or counsellor.
• People with the same health concern.
• Your local church, mosque, synagogue, or other religious group.
• A city, provincial, or national group that provides support for your health concern. Check your local library or community centre for a list of these groups. Or look for information online.
• Your local community, friends, and family.

Supportive relationships

A supportive relationship includes emotional support such as love, trust, and understanding, as well as advice and concrete help, such as help managing your time.

Reach out to others

Family and friends can help you. Ask them to:

• Listen to you and give you encouragement. This can keep you from feeling hopeless or alone.
• Help with small daily tasks or with bigger problems. A helping hand can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Help you manage a health problem. For example, ask them to go to doctor visits with you. Your loved ones can offer support by being involved in your medical care.

Respect your relationships

A good relationship is also a two-way street. You count on help from others, but they also count on you.

• Know your friends' limits. You don't have to see or call your friends every day. If you are going through a rough patch, ask friends if you can contact them outside of the usual boundaries.
• Don't always complain or talk about yourself. Know when it's time to stop talking and listen or just enjoy your friend's company.
• Know that good friends can be a bad influence. For example, if a friend encourages you to drink when you know it will harm you, you may want to end the friendship.