Patient support Groups

Make Connections, Get Help

For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person’s relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person’s family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs.

How to find a support group

Benefits

Joining a local support group can be helpful for you, as you can meet other ILD patients, their partners and carers and discuss and share your experiences. Support from your family and friends is essential, but reaching out to fellow patients going through the same experience can be particularly beneficial. Many support groups are organised within hospitals or in the local community – your doctor or respiratory nurse should be able to tell you more.

Information
Raising disease awareness
Raising prevention awareness
Assistance
Help
Emotional support
Advice
Solution
Exchange of experience
Improvement of medical service

Finding out as much as possible about ILDs can help you feel more in control. Patient organisations are a good place to start because they provide information dedicated to people living with ILDs as well as mutual support. You can also get in touch with patients in your country through the organisations listed bellow.