Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic disease can be one of the scariest moments in life. In an instant, everything changed. The doctor will prescribe medicine, treatment or therapy, and suggest lifestyle changes. But in the final analysis, everyone should follow the doctor’s instructions. The problem is that for many people, it is not easy to receive a diagnosis, learn to accept it, and make the necessary changes.
Treatment options are often complicated, and self-care may feel like a luxury that patients cannot prioritize. Many people have comorbidities, which further complicates matters. Today, the medical system feels impersonal, leaving patients in a passive role, being told what to do and following their instructions. The system is designed to treat and manage diseases, not to provide support for patients outside of medical treatment. Therefore, the patient has embarked on a lifelong journey of coping and hopes that despite the disease, he can still thrive.
Humans are social animals, and the support of others is essential to happiness. Today, as people take a more active role in their health care, they are seeking mutual support from those who were there before — and it is working. Point-to-point support is becoming one of the best ways to fill gaps in the medical system and help people successfully manage their illnesses.
The biggest obstacle: patient mentality
Changing one’s lifestyle—whether it means remembering to take medicine twice a day, making follow-up appointments, exercising, or changing diet—may be the most difficult challenge to overcome. When faced with drastic changes or accepting a new lifestyle, feelings of frustration and fear will quickly surface. When patients learn more about their condition, they can easily become overwhelmed. Although a million questions will flash in their minds, patients cannot call their doctor anytime they have a problem. This makes them feel lonely and depressed.
Emotional and physical loss may prevent the patient from continuing to move forward and take care of themselves, derailing any progress that may have been made. Cultivating self-management habits and coping skills is essential for effective treatment and the patient’s best chance of success. However, the medical system provides few resources in this regard.
Point-to-point support: Unsung Heroes
Of course, friends and family can provide support, but because of their different medical conditions, they cannot provide tried-and-tested advice from people who have gone through similar journeys. But the peer support group can! Traditionally, peer support groups are location-based, so people can meet weekly or monthly. But now we have the Internet.
Group meetings provide an environment to give and receive help in a respectful and supportive manner, and provide insights gathered on similar journeys. Members build bonds by sharing experiences, and they sincerely help others in the process of overcoming challenges. In these safe spaces, people can easily be honest with each other without worrying about being judged. Everyone can share their emotional and physical difficulties while cheering on each other during a good time.
Today, peer support is seen as an important part of the management and rehabilitation dilemma, complementing the traditional care of doctors and the entire medical system.
Research shows that those who rely on peer support groups develop better self-management strategies, gain greater self-confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation. In addition, those who use peer support have better health outcomes and are more successful in behavior modification.
How the Internet is changing peer-to-peer support
People rely on the Internet for endless information. Thousands of easily accessible studies, reports, and blogs act as knowledge centers, answering questions in a one-way manner.
This is why the online peer-to-peer support group has flourished and stood out from the Internet research. Anyone, anywhere can access online groups. People can visit the group 24/7 to post questions, provide practical advice and emotional support, or share research links and life tips. These communities are full of other people who have also received the same diagnosis, and provide a safe and reliable place for people to meet and learn from others’ collective wisdom through virtual means.
Peer support groups are also great because they provide users with some anonymity. People may be embarrassed that questions raised face-to-face can be discussed without fear or shame. Research shows that many of the conversations in these groups are related to issues other than the medical condition itself, including love, sex, family life, finances, etc. The anonymity of these groups also allows users to be valued for their contributions rather than their appearance.
For most of human history, the support of our peers has been with us. Today, online support builds a bridge between people near and far, connecting those who may not be able to get support. In the darkest hours, there are always people who offer hope and words of encouragement online. And, in addition to support, the community members are digital cheerleaders, and they celebrate the victory. Peer support is always there, enabling people to take the next step on the road to a healthier and happier life.
Photo: Nataliia Nesterenko, Getty Images
