Connecting with Others: RA Support Groups

If you or someone you know is affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might feel alone or overwhelmed at times. Luckily, you don't have to cope with RA on your own: Thousands of support groups exist to help you connect with others whose lives are impacted by rheumatoid arthritis.

Local RA Support Groups

Rheumatoid arthritis support groups in your area can put you face-to-face with others who have similar questions and concerns about rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, these groups provide you with the opportunity to vent your frustrations and concerns to caring individuals.
 
Finding a Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Finding an RA support group in your area shouldn't be difficult. Talk to your doctor or the doctor who cares for your loved one and ask if there are any RA support groups in your area. You can also go online and do a search for RA support groups in your city or town.

If you don't have a local RA support group, consider starting your own. Not only will you benefit, but so too will the other individuals in your area whose lives are affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

At RA support groups, you can also make friends who can help you and your loved ones cope with RA. People discuss the challenges they've faced and the ways in which they've overcome obstacles related to rheumatoid arthritis.

The following organizations can help you connect to RA support groups in your area:

  • American Chronic Pain Association
  • American Pain Foundation
  • Arthritis Foundation
  • Road Back Foundation.
Contact your local chapter of the above-mentioned organizations to find out more about RA support groups in your city or town.

Online RA Support Groups

If your area doesn't have a local rheumatoid arthritis support group, or if you can't make it to many of the support group meetings, you might want to consider joining an online support group.

There are thousands of online rheumatoid arthritis support groups, each of which offers a place for members to chat about RA concerns, care, treatment and more. As a plus, online support groups create a forum where you can connect with people all over the world who are affected by RA.

To find an online support group, simply run a search for "rheumatoid arthritis support group" in your favorite search engine. From there, simply pick the online group that most appeals to you.

Special Rheumatoid Arthritis Events

In addition to joining a support group to help connect with others, you can also participate in events to bring awareness to rheumatoid arthritis. Such events help fund research for RA and also unite those who are passionate about finding a cure of RA. Plus, the events can be a lot of fun!

The following RA events are sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation:

  • Dinner and Gala Events: From black-tie dinners to testimonial events, functions to help raise money and awareness.
  • Jingle Bell Run/Walk: This event is a 5K held during the holidays to support arthritis research and education.
  • Joints in Motion: This marathon training program helps raise money for arthritis research.
  • Time to Walk the Walk: Walk to raise money to help fund arthritis research.

To learn more about the above-mentioned events, contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter.

Resources

About.com (2007). Arthritis Foundations - Arthritis Organizations - Arthritis Societies. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the About.com Web site:http://arthritis.about.com/od/orgs/Arthritis_Foundations
_Arthritis_Organizations_Arthritis_Societies.htm.

Arthritis Foundation. Events & Programs. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the Arthritis Foundation Web site: http://www.arthritis.org/programs-events.php.
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Last Modified: January 26, 2010