Whether you are a newly-diagnosed Alpha coming to terms with your recent diagnosis or you are an Alpha experiencing health or life issues that you are struggling to cope with, there are a number of resources available to help you navigate through difficult times. Read on to learn the many benefits of exploring the support channels you have within your reach.
Connect with a Counselor
If you have considered seeking help from a counselor or therapist recently, but are not sure how to go about finding someone, you are not alone. There are a number of resources available to help you find a counselor who fits your specific needs and schedule. You can often obtain a list of mental health providers from your primary care physician or your insurance carrier. The human resources department at your place of employment may also have an employee assistance program (EAP) in place to help you get started. Additionally, there are several online tools available to help you find a therapist from the comfort of your home. While finding a reputable counselor used to mean having to make individual appointments and visit several offices, today you can simply take a quick online quiz to find a specialist who suits your needs and availability.
You can ask members of your health care team to offer a referral to an individual who has the following type of experience:
- Has familiarity with the issues you are facing relative to your medical condition
- Has experience with adult and family development
- Can help you deal with loss and the grieving process
- Has knowledge about the potential side effects of medications you may be taking
Your counselor should be someone:
- You feel you can trust and who makes you feel safe
- Who has a plan that makes sense to you, both in terms of identifying your problems and in prescribing treatments
- Who inspires confidence that he/she is going to help you feel better
Join a Support Group
If you are interested in joining an Alpha-1 support group, ask your AlphaNet Coordinator about support groups in your area or visit www.alpha1.org/alphas-friends-family/support/sg/ for a list of groups in your state. Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, many support groups have transitioned to online meetings and events so you can connect with other Alphas from the safety of your own home.
If an Alpha-1 support group isn’t available to you, you may also consider joining another group that focuses on another health or social issue that is important to you. Your local college, community hospital, or mental health organization may have lists of support groups that meet in your area. You may find that your community offers a variety of support groups that deal with smoking cessation, women’s issues, men’s issues, single-parenting, as well as groups for people with particular health concerns.
When evaluating support groups, trust your instincts. Whether a group is right for you depends entirely on your needs and how the group makes you feel. Groups led by health professionals are often educational, and the leaders are able to correct any misinformation that may arise during discussions. The group’s facilitator should be knowledgeable about group dynamics and your specific condition and its treatment. Groups led by their members are typically more emotionally supportive because everyone in the group has had similar experiences.
Find Support Through Social Media
Social media and the internet allow us to connect with others from around the world more easily than ever before. There are so many different groups available today that you may be able to easily find the support online that you cannot find in your daily life. While some sites and groups are moderated by professionals knowledgeable about Alpha-1, there are others managed by those interested or personally affected by Alpha-1. These sites and forums can be a great source of support from others that have some connection to Alpha-1, however, those managed by a peer or group of peers may contain information that has not been verified or vetted. Always consult a medical professional when you have medical questions or ask your AlphaNet Coordinator to verify information with the AlphaNet medical team.
Attend (Virtual) Alpha-1 Events
Going to Alpha-1 events is a great way to connect with fellow Alphas and Alpha-1 experts in the community. At these events, you can often find Alpha-1 educational resources and learn about treatment options, find out about new research, and even learn about Alpha-1 clinical research opportunities. Due to COVID-19, Alpha-1 conferences and education days will be held virtually until further notice. For a list of scheduled webinars and virtual events, please visit https://www.alpha1.org/events/.