Why are support groups helpful?
Support groups provide a unique and critical service: acceptance. This forum allows individuals to ask questions and to learn in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Participants know that everyone attending the meeting understands and has compassion for the functional difficulties of getting through each day. As a result, less frustration and energy are spent on proving or defining limitations. More energy is available for appreciating the character and companionship offered by others, and recognizing personal self-worth.
If you administer a vestibular disorders support group, or want to, we're eager to help. Currently, VEDA can assist you by publishing contact information for new or established groups. Please e-mail us with the group's meeting address, contact person with e-mail and/or phone number, website URL (if you have one), and how often you meet. We also encourage support group leaders to join us on Facebook, where you can share your group's activities or post a notice about your interest in forming a group.
We can also provide you with information to help you lead a group. Click here for a list of recommendations on how to start a support group.
Possible Formats and Considerations for Support Group Meetings
Varying the presentation and organization of meetings can be helpful for providing variety and for delivering information. But the ultimate goal is to establish a network with which people can ground themselves in order to move forward. Read more...
Possible Discussion Topics for Support Group Meetings
Download a list of possible topics for meetings. You might also find it helpful to cross-reference this list with our free downloadable publications. Read more...
Sample meeting outlines
Sometimes being in charge of leading a discussion can be daunting, but if you go to the meeting with a few key questions to pose to the group, you’ll find it easy to keep the session lively! To review a support-group leader’s outline for leading a meeting about understanding a vestibular disorder as an invisible chronic illness, read more.
Finally, don’t be timid about simply starting the meeting by reading from some of our free download publications. For example, check out “Addressing Vestibular Patients’ Stressors and Self-Doubts” for a topic that may trigger a lively discussion about experiences with the author’s point of view.