Support groups offer many benefits to those who may be providing care to a loved one. The common experience among members of a support group often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions or treatment side effects. Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another.

Benefits of participating in a support group may include:

• Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged.

• Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue.

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings.

• Improving skills to cope with challenges.

• Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans.

• Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it.

• Learning about available resources.