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MRS. KATHEKE MBITHI
WE CAN Summit on Breast & Cervical Cancer Advocacy
Protea Hotel Courtyard Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sept 11th -13th 2014
MY STORY
THE ROLE OF SUPPORT GROUPS: Pros & Cons
What is a support group?It is a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. (Oxford Dictionary)
THE BENEFITSHuman beings are social by nature. We
feel and look good when surrounded by other people.
Support group provide a practical assistance, emotional support, a sense of belonging and realistic information relating to the normal course of the illness.
One gets comfort and strength through a support group by sharing experiences and feelings with
Cont…Others who are facing or have faced common
challenges and this creates a stronger bond between the members. One learns coping skills.
Sharing helps reduce stress, fear and anxiety and helps promote healing.
Support groups can improve /and or enhance the quality of life for survivors to overcome
• Feelings of loneliness and helplessness.There is a strong link between support group
members and greater tolerance of cancer treatment.
Discussing problems in a group setting may make it easier for a person to discuss with friends and family. This encourages family involvement and speed up the recovery process.
If we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming , less upsetting and less scary.
Support group members share what has worked or not worked for them. Sharing stories make them realize that whatever questions or reactions they might have are quite normal.
Sometimes it is so difficult to talk with your loved one about your feelings, because you both have so much going on. Support groups teach one on how to manage personal relationships with spouse, partner, caregiver, siblings, children and friends.
Cont…As a member of a support group, gather as
much information as possible: Knowledge is Power.
KNOWLEDGE HEALSKNOWLEDGE HEALS… IGNORANCE IGNORANCE
DETROYS DETROYS
ON A LIGHTER NOTE“Whoever thought up the word mammogram?
Every time I hear it, I think I am supposed to put my breast in an envelope and send to someone” ….Jan King
GUESS WHAT???
THERE IS NO COST TO JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
TYPES OF SUPPORT GROUPSSome support groups provide
information and education. For example, what to expect with chemo and tips on how to cope with treatment.
Others focus on providing emotional support. This kind encourages members to share their feelings.
***both play a role in the recovery process following diagnosis and treatment.
Cont..There is also the Complimentary
Therapy support. This can be either yoga, meditation, reiki, zumba etc.
Some support groups are made up of people with either the same type of cancer, same gender, same kind of treatment or same or close age group.
There is online or telephone support groups.
Cont….And now with social media, there is support
groups being created, e.g. whatsappSupport groups come in different forms and
sizes.There is no successful support group model.
Find one that meets your needs. A support system that works for you
WHERE TO MEETSupport groups can meet in:HospitalsSchool classroomsChurchCommunity cantersOffice buildingMembers homesOnline
HOW OFTEN???Support group meeting can be held:
DailyWeeklyMonthlyOr when need be
WHO CAN FACILITATE???Support group meeting can be lead by:
SurvivorsCaregiversTrained professionalsClinicians
MY EPITOME OF STRENGTH
Cont:
Cont:
DRAWBACKSSupport groups can be powerful force for
healing, but they are not for everyone!!!Assumes everyone will overcome the fear of
speaking in public about personal issues.Some members find support group upsetting
because it brings back bad or painful memories.
Some members might find there are no topics of interest in the meetings.
Some members also might confidentiality since this groups are not guarded by any law.
Cont…Members can use support group forums
to vent out on what he/she thinks his/her caregiver(s) ought to have done
Some members will also use the setting as a place to solicit for money.
Support groups are not biased on certain religion(s) but some members take advantage to push for their religion
Cont…Some members will also use support group gathering to sell certain products. They market products they think would ease may be pain, boost immunity etc
Keep on SMILING and one day LIFE will get tired of upsetting you
Keep on SMILING and one day LIFE will get tired of upsetting you
PARTING SHOTYOU are not labels other people give you. YOU ARE A BEING OF IMMENSE POWER and BREATHTAKING BEAUTY created in the IMAGE OF GOD.
THANK YOU ASANTE SANA
MY CONTACTSKATHEKE MBITHI• Member: Reach to Recovery International• Member: Kenya Cancer Association• Email: [email protected]• Facebook: Katheke Mbithi• Twitter: KathekeMbithi• Skype: Katheke Mbithi• Tel: (+254) 722 60 47 44, (+254) 733 44
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