Dealing With Headaches

Hey, I just noticed on the little blurb about this site (which I didn’t write — it just materialized one day!) that I’m suppossed to be posting about support sites every now and then. I guess you noticed that I haven’t really done too many posts about Headache and/or Migraine Support Sites…as in, this is the first post on the subject.

When I talk about support groups here, I am NOT talking about 12 step programs for addicts. That’s a different animal. If you are an addict, go to the 12 step progams and KEEP GOING.

I’m Not Against Support Groups, But…

You need to be a certain type to benefit from any kind of support group, whether it’s in the real world or online. If you are prone to get obsessed about anything, then you need to be careful. Also, if you have problems saying “No,” you need to be DOUBLY cafeful, or soon you’ll have the responsibilities of the support group dropped in your lap before you know it. Now that will be a MAJOR source of headaches, both literal and metaphorical.

The best way to deal with support groups for physical ailments is to go only a few times, take the literature home with you, read the literature often and then not go to the group again for at least a year.

My current main support group is composed of my relatives who also get a variety of head pains. For me, that’s the best kind of support group.

The Pros

Support groups let you know that you are not alone. They also can make you feel better knowing that you don’t have it as bad as other people. They also are an ever changing resource of tips and tricks for coping with headaches and migraines. And, it’s always nice to talk to people who know and can sympathise what you are going through.

You can find Headache and Migraine Support Groups in your local paper, in the phone book, or go online and enter “headache support group” into your favorite search engine. For example, if you have cluster headaches, then you can find resources, sympathy and some good laughs from Cluster Headaches Worldwide Support Group.

Basically, if you can think of any medical condition, there’s a support group online out there somewhere.

The Cons

Sometimes, support group meetings (whether online or in real life), start to turn into contests or “Who Has The Worst Pain.” Although it is a great source of stress releif to complain, there should be limits on it. Hearing new symtpms that sound frightening can plant some nasty suggestions in your subconscious and suddenly you are experiencing new symptoms, too. You always need to take these meetings in perspective.

Keep your personal space. Don’t make yourself the only means of finacial or emotional support for the other members of your group. Although it sounds selfish, you need to follow this for yor own survival — YOUR HEALTH MATTERS MOST. Don’t be afraid to tell any other member to bugger off and leave you alone.

And if you are on an online support group, it’s much better for computer’s security if you stay away from peer to peer networks and ANY kind of file sharing. Any peer to peer network just does not have the security of one admin on a regular internet site that can filter out spyware or other kinds of malware. Not that you need to be paranoid about this, just keep it in mind.

Hope this helps.