Support Groups-Online

GriefNet.org is a national website with 50 facilitated e-mail support groups covering topics such as loss of a parent, loss of a spouse/partner, loss of sibling or friend, spiritual aspects of loss, etc. Each topic has subtopics, such as young widowed, widowed with children, grief moving on.

The Association of Cancer Online Resources provides support, information, and community to patients, family caregivers and professional health providers. There are over 130 online lists to choose from, including groups on specific diagnoses, alternative therapies, depression, fatigue, financial concerns... Online support groups offer the flexibility of 24 hour, 7 day a week access. Some people report that the anonymity of an online community is actually helpful in sharing feelings and concerns.

Sponsored by the American Heart Association, these Internet communities allow patients and families to share much-needed tips and support, with groups organized around specific cardiac conditions, such as heart failure, high blood pressure, Peripheral Artery Disease, arrhythmia, heart attack, etc.

Whether you are a new caregiver, a veteran caregiver (been at it for several years), or a caregiver in transition (e.g., the person you care for is now in a nursing home), there is a support group here for you. Some are list serves, some have chats, some have instant messaging. Many people say that they like online support groups because of the ability to access it at their convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some also note that the anonymity of an online group makes them feel more comfortable speaking candidly.

The American Diabetes Association has several message boards for adults with Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, the recently diagnosed, persons using an insulin pump, etc. There is also a Spanish language group.