Networking for support: Online groups offer knowledge, help in time of need

There once was a time that one could feel very alone in this world. Whether dealing with something as serious as a life-threatening illness or as common as a baby who won't sleep through the night, many have found times in their lives when they were positive no one could possibly understand what they were going through.

Well...not anymore.

These days, there are countless online groups where people can come to gain not only knowledge, but the priceless emotional support of others. "Online support groups really give the person an extra support unit that can be available to them 24 hours a day and seven days a week," explains Jean Trammel of New Leaf Resources in Crown Point. "But, similar to finding a therapist, we advise patients to make absolutely sure that the online support group is a good fit."

"We often encourage our patients to go online to do necessary research on their condition," adds Lori Krol, a Pinnacle Healthcare family nurse practitioner who recently opened Krol Family Medicine in Wheatfield. "But in some cases, talking to an actual human being is going to be just as beneficial."

Indeed, experts seem to agree that one should not solely rely on online networking support groups to help get them through life's challenges. Yet, having both online and offline support can often produce remarkable results.

Yet...one must be cautious.

Confidentiality within an online support group can be tough to keep. In addition, one can never be sure if the other members of the support group are being entirely honest regarding to their conditions and backgrounds. And above all, many can become so immersed in their online support groups that they tend to shut out the people closest to them in their life.

"People can often become addicted to the website or online support group," Krol explains. "You must always ask yourself if you are spending more time on the computer instead of with the people that mean the most."

However, if kept in check, an online support group can offer yet another opportunity to come together with similar people to deal with life's issues. Trammel says, "Above all, you want to make sure they know that you are there for them and willing to be their support, no matter what."