Why I Love My Psoriasis Support Groups So Much

The one thing that I think we all crave on a deeper level than most people and that is acceptance and understanding. We so badly want the people in our lives, friends, lovers, spouses, and the like to just simply, “get it”.

Support from the online psoriasis community

This is a task much greater than what we can ever imagine. When I was diagnosed, many moons ago, I joined an online group. I made friends there that I never even knew I needed in my life, but oh man did I need them.

There are so many types and shapes when it comes to supporting groups, real-time and online. You just have to find the one that suits you best. These are the types of groups that have crossed my path and made the greatest impact.

Small and psoriasis-specific groups

There is all manner of information in these. They are well moderated and everything and anything that is not psoriasis-related it removed. While some of us might find this annoying, it is however what some people need. 

These will often time be smaller groups and you build meaningful connections in them. Also, there is often a lot of really good information at hand. If you cannot find what you need, ask and I can almost guarantee that someone will be able to help you.

Larger psoriasis groups online

These groups will contain many people and many many opinions. There will be sales and possibly an overload of information. I often found the same questions asked over and over again.

Possibly a lot of miscommunication, yet I still enjoyed these two. If this is not the space for you, then make a move.

Groups with a social element and support

In the more recent years I found another group, and this for me has been very significant. There is my kind of balance here. There is a social element to this group, and there are fun things too.

Often times there are serious moments and support when you need it. It is not for everyone, but if it is your fit, you will know without a doubt. The thing that all these groups have in common is that at some stage or another, I could not stay away from there.

Feeling accepted and understood in online support groups

In moments of darkness, I find my way to their light. In these spaces, whichever your fit is, you will find that rare gem that we are all searching for. Acceptance, true understanding, and there you will make friends. Friends that well and truly just get it.

So why can’t I stay away from them? Because here, I feel accepted. Here is the one place that I feel that a part of me does not need to translate my soul? I find that I spend a lot of time on these groups. There is advice, joy, and friendship.