How do I find a stroke support group?
Support groups enable you to interact with other stroke survivors who know what you are going through. They are also a good place to exchange information on how to deal with many of the problems that are common after a stroke. Support groups can help your mental recovery by providing someone with whom you can share your story and your frustrations. Participating in a support group also gives you a chance to get out of the house and can encourage you to try new things. Stroke support groups are a good place to find out about products that can help your recovery or make daily tasks easier. Meeting other survivors who have made a successful transition to fulfilling, active lives after a stroke can also give you hope early on in the recovery process.
To find a stroke support group in your area, try the online support group search from the American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org/strokegroup) or the National Stroke Association (nsa.networkats.com/members_online/members/supportgroup.asp). See our resources section below for links to more online stroke support groups.
Links to Social Support Resources
American Heart Association – stroke survivor discussion boards
my.americanheart.org/jiveforum/category.jspa?categoryID=16
my.americanheart.org/jiveforum/forum.jspa?forumID=40
Young Stroked But Able – online stroke discussion group
groups.msn.com/Youngstrokedbutable
The Stroke Network – online support group
www.strokenetwork.org
Generation S – online discussion board focused on young stroke survivors
www.orgsites.com/pa/generation-s
American Stroke Association – how to start and maintain a successful stroke support group
www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3022731
References
- Wee JY, Hopman WM. Stroke impairment predictors of discharge function, length of stay, and discharge destination in stroke rehabilitation. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. Aug 2005;84(8):604-612.
- Glass T, Matchar D, Belyea M, Feussner J. Impact of social support on outcome in first stroke. Stroke. January 1, 1993 1993;24(1):64-70.
- Tsouna-Hadjis E, Vemmos KN, Zakopoulos N, Stamatelopoulos S. First-stroke recovery process: the role of family social support. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Jul 2000;81(7):881-887.
- Glass TA, Maddox GL. The quality and quantity of social support: stroke recovery as psycho-social transition. Soc Sci Med. Jun 1992;34(11):1249-1261.
- Jaracz K, Kozubski W. Quality of life in stroke patients. Acta Neurol Scand. May 2003;107(5):324-329.
- Angeleri F, Angeleri V, Foschi N, Giaquinto S, Nolfe G. The influence of depression, social activity, and family stress on functional outcome after stroke. Stroke. October 1, 1993 1993;24(10):1478-1483.
