Finding People to Talk to

Talking with friends and family about the things you’re going through can be of great comfort. However, despite how much a friend may care, sometimes talking with another person who lives with Sickle Cell is more beneficial. Fortunately, there are people out there who can help.

SUPPORT GROUPS
A support group is where other people who live with Sickle Cell meet together. It’s a place where you can talk with others who experience similar difficulties as you. Learning how others manage their illness, talking with people who understand the pain and share common struggles can help in the coping process. If you’re interested in finding a support group for Sickle Cell patients, ask your doctor about it the next time you see him. He, or somebody on his staff, will be able to help you locate one. You can also look online by typing in “Sickle Cell support groups” and the city or State you live in and see what you find.

SICKLE CELL ORGANIZATIONS
Sickle Cell Organizations are spread throughout the country. They may offer summer camp, provide counseling, support, or a variety of other services and activities for youth and families. If nothing else, you may be able to find a new friend who understands what it’s like to live with Sickle Cell Disease. Again, ask your doctor for information about a Sickle Cell Organization in your area or do an online search with your parents.

SOCIAL NETWORKS
If joining a support group or becoming involved in a Sickle Cell Organization doesn’t interest you, perhaps being part of an online forum might. On a forum, or other social networks, you can read what others have written who are enduring similar things you are. You can also post questions and see what kind of response you get. You may be able to help somebody in need by sharing your life experiences. Forums can be both informative and emotionally moving.

CHURCH
Faith, religion, spirituality, and the friendships you form in your church-going activities can be a powerful source of strength and comfort. As a result of the love I constantly received from friends at church, and because my family life was/is so good, I never wanted for any other kind of support group. Not everyone has that. Everybody’s life circumstance is different. Church can be a place where you can find a network of friends who can help provide the strength and fellowship you need. You may even find somebody in the congregation who also has Sickle Cell.