Author/Editor		Kodelja, Ivan
Title		Psychological benefits of support groups
Type		članek
Source		In: Abstract book of the 10th reach to recovery international conference "Looking back - moving forward"; 1998 May 13-16; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Društvo onkoloških bolnikov Slovenije,
Publication year		1998
Volume		str. 1-4
Language		eng
Abstract		For human complete personality growth the life in a group is indispensable. Man simply cannot be alone. The need to belong to another humnan being is very strong in the very beginning of life since we find ourselves in a group immediately after being born. The man exists only in relation with another human being, therefore without a group there is no individual. Psychological problems of an individual occur and are expressed in a group - primarily in the family or in other groups. Severe trauma or sudden illness such as cancer or stress related to breast operation is expressed among other things also in patient's retiring from the society and complete withdrawal. She often reacts depressively. It is understandable that we cope with such troubles (we solve them) in a group that is there where they are expressed. Support group is a place where the patient gets the opportunity to confess and to study her feelings. Emotional happening in the group is the most important. In the group the patients learn from one another. Those experiencing severe emotional distress after breast operation are usually maladjusted socially. They are occupied with their own problems so that sometimes they have troubles to understand others. When they see that other patients have similar feelings and problems they find normal contact with other people (group members) again. Those patients who have successfully overcome the crisis after breast operation are the greatest help. Group is the place where the patient after breast operation can get well. Entering the group is a free act. In a good group there is no place for duress and authoritarianism. In the group the patient is capable of complex rehabilitation. It is understandable that "chit-chat" and "gossip" don't belong there; the members develop their own feelings for the emotions of others with the purpose of self help. In Slovenia the Support groups (11 groups) meet once a month. (trunc. at 2000 chars)
Descriptors		BREAST NEOPLASMS SELF-HELP GROUPS PSYCHOTHERAPY, GROUP VOLUNTARY WORKERS