(image: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash)
Chronic illness can take a toll on one’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Individuals struggling with chronic (long term) illness often feel lonely, isolated, and anxious, leading to a decline in their overall quality of life. While individual therapy can be helpful, group therapy can offer additional benefits and support. Group therapy allows people to connect with others who understand and relate to their struggles.
A Sense of Community and Connection
The sense of community and connection that group therapy provides can be incredibly powerful for those dealing with chronic illness. Often, those dealing with illnesses can feel isolated and misunderstood. In a group therapy setting, individuals can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and struggles. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of comfort and understanding, with a qualified therapist.
Learning from Others
In group therapy, people can learn from others who are further along in their journey. For example, someone who was recently diagnosed with an illness may feel scared and uncertain about their future. Hearing from someone who has been living with illness for a longer period of time can offer hope and reassurance and also provide practical support.
Psychoeducation
Some group therapy can provide an opportunity for psychoeducation on chronic illnesses. Members can learn about their illness, medications, treatments, and therapeutic interventions that can help reduce their symptoms. This can give them a sense of control and improve their quality of life.
Better Coping Skills
Chronic illness can be overwhelming and stressful; it often requires individuals to develop new coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. In a group therapy setting, individuals can learn new coping skills from other members. This can include stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, and ways to manage pain or fatigue. Learning new coping skills can lead to a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in overall mental health.
Mutual Support
Whilst in group therapy, members can offer mutual support to one another. Those who are having a particularly difficult day or week can lean on other members for support and encouragement. Group members can offer a listening ear or share coping strategies that have worked for them. This provides a sense of comfort and fosters a sense of belonging.
Group therapy can be a valuable tool for individuals struggling with a chronic illness. It provides a sense of community and connection, the opportunity to learn from others, psychoeducation, better coping skills, and mutual support. If you are struggling with chronic illness, consider seeking support through group therapy.
Remember, you are not alone. There are others out there who understand and can support you on your journey. You can also be referred for therapy.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer.
beurownlight.com 
Great post! I myself suffer from Chronic illnesses and Chronic Pain. Every day is a struggle to do the simplest things. I feel useless to my family because I’m not able to do the things I once use to be able to do. I feel like a horrible Mother to my girls because I can’t do the things with them that I once use to do. It’s a very lonely feeling. I feel isolated away from the world because of my Chronic illnesses and Chronic Pain. I have tried every single therapy there is, every type of pain medications, physical therapy, even went as far as surgery. But to no avail did any of it work. It’s quite discouraging. It’s takes a toll on my mental and emotional health. As far as group therapy I do believe it can be beneficial. I have joined a group on Facebook for one of my Chronic illnesses. I just haven’t joined any group therapy for my other chronic illness and chronic pain.
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Hi Jenny thanks so much from writing in. I hope you feel way better soon and that group therapy helps you. recovery isnt linear but you will get there. x
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Thank you so much sweetheart 🥰 I really appreciate that encouragement
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This is such a great post. Chronic illness and disability support needs the spotlight on communities. Every day hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses wake up alone, unable to cope with life. We need support and connection. Tangible friendships. I can speak personally about this.
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Thanks so much Susan, pleased you liked reading this one from Lizzie. If you want to write a blog on this topic for our blog, please do drop me an email to beurownlight@gmail.com
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