Teaming Up With Others through Online Support Groups

You may benefit from an online support group. For those who live in rural areas, or whose health limits their mobility, a virtual support group can be especially helpful. Virtual support groups come in many styles and offer easy access to positive interaction with others regarding specific topics such as living with cancer, addiction, diabetes, depression, and more. 

Some support groups are led by a healthcare professional who might answer questions or present topics for discussion.  Others are monitored by nonprofessionals to maintain integrity of the site or to keep the comments on topic.  It is important to remember that although online support groups can connect you to others who understand what you are going through, it is not medical advice and does not take the place of your physician for diagnosing or treating your medical conditions.  

Also, remember that the information you post on a public site is accessible by others. You will want to be careful about posting things that can personally identify you.  Before you join, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the group’s webpage to find the privacy information and read about how your personal information may be used or shared.  

Here are a few examples of online support groups:

(click on each logo to be redirected to website)

Support group for those living with or caring for someone with breast cancer.  

Support group for those living with depression and/or bipolar disorder.


Support group for those recovering from any kind of addiction.