Spinal Cord Injury Support Group- You Are Not Alone
After I finished rehabilitation in 1980, I felt alone. This was before the Internet and organized Spinal Cord Injury Support Group did not exist.
My family got me into a secondary rehabilitation center in Denver, CO, called Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. I could connect with other quadriplegics, making a world of difference. In my mindset, an attitude toward the future.
Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) may feel alone. But you’re not! Many support groups can offer you the advice, support, and friendship you need.
These groups are typically made up of other people who have been through similar experiences, so they understand what you’re going through and can offer helpful advice. Besides offering emotional support, peer support groups provide practical information about living with spinal injuries.
So if you’re feeling isolated or need help to cope with your diagnosis, reach out to a SCI group.
Why Join A SCI Peer Support Group?
It is beneficial to join an SCI support group for many reasons. First, accessing information and resources can be key in your recovery process. This information can include advice on how to live a quality life with an injury and tips on what you can do to improve your quality of life. Joining a support group can provide you with the comfort and support you need during this difficult time.
Being able to share your experiences and feelings with other members of the group can also be valuable. This allows you to build strength and courage from the collective knowledge of others who have experienced similar challenges. Joining a group is important in making positive changes for yourself and those around you.
There are many SCI groups, but the best way to find the right one for you is to investigate. When choosing a group, consider several things, such as the type of support it offers and how large it is. Looking for a group with a good reputation and active members can be helpful. Joining a support group can provide you with valuable resources and support during your recovery process.
What to Expect, Both Good And Bad From A Support Group
I have had both positive and negative experiences with support groups. The positive experiences have been when the group is run by peer mentors or professionals familiar with individuals living with spinal cord injuries to openly share their experiences and advice on how they’ve coped. There are often guest speakers too, which can help provide new perspectives and knowledgeable advice.
The negative experiences have been when peer mentors do not run the support group, and individuals with sci feel like they’re not being heard or understood. There are often a lot of negative talks, which can discourage, and people leave feeling worse than when they came. I think it’s important to find a support group that you feel comfortable with and that meets your needs.
Topics and Structure of a Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
•Coordinators lead meetings to keep conversations on track and ensure everyone speaks. The leader may or may not be a mental health professional.
• Sometimes, guest speakers give presentations and do Q&As to start each meeting. The group’s discussion afterward will often be an offshoot of the speaker’s topic.
• Other groups rely entirely on peer-to-peer chats, either with a formal topic and structure in mind or a more free-flowing conversation that can center on whatever issues have come up for people in the group that month.
• Some common topics discussed include intimacy and sex, mental health, coping skills, pain management, returning to work or college, adaptive sports and exercise, driving, caregivers’ roles in managing bowel and bladder complications, and alcohol and substance abuse.
Tips for staying positive and getting the most out of your group experience
Support programs provide an important service for people dealing with challenging life experiences. They offer a safe space to share your story, express your feelings and connect with others who understand what you are going through. While groups can be incredibly helpful, remember that they are not a cure-all.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your experience:
First, be open to the idea of group support. It’s helpful to approach your first meeting with an open mind and heart. Second, be patient. It might take some time to find the right group for you. Keep going even if you don’t click with the first group you try!
There are many groups, so keep looking until you find one that feels right. Finally, remember that you are not alone on your journey. The people, caregivers, and peers provide support and understanding – so take advantage of their willingness to help!
How To Find A SCI Groups Resources On The Web
If you want to find SCI Support Group meetings on the Web, the best way to do this is to use a search engine such as Google or Yahoo. Type in the keywords “SCI Groups Resources,” and you should be able to find what you are looking for. Another way to find this information is to go to the United Spinal Association website and look under their “Find Support” section.
If you cannot find a support group for your SCI, opportunities for individuals with spinal injuries to start their own. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association has support and education information on how to start a support group.
What If There Are Not Any Peer Mentoring Programs In My Area?
If there are no peer mentoring programs in your area, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to get involved in mentorship. Because of the COVID pandemic, many programs have been offered through Zoom. You can also look into online mentoring programs through Facebook. They moderated most to keep the conversation on the topic. Look for positive information and remember every situation is different. Like no two injuries are the same, neither is living with paralysis. Whatever you do, research and find a program that is right for you.
Conclusion
Support group for individuals is an important resource for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). This type of support can offer individuals a safe space to share their stories, express their feelings and connect with others who understand what they are going through. In times of crisis, such as the COVID pandemic, peer mentoring programs provide vital support. If you cannot find a program in your area, many online opportunities can be just as beneficial.
Jim was a healthy and active man until a football accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. He has since learned to navigate life as a person with quadriplegia, which has not slowed him down. Jim is proud of his many accomplishments, including traveling to foreign countries and most regions of the United States. He currently lives with his wife and family dog near Austin, Texas. Jim’s latest accomplishment is authoring “The Last Tackle.“
