being "new" to an online support group

When you are new to an Online Support Group (OSG) you may feel some fear about what to do or how to act. After a very short time, you will probably feel like "one of the family." You probably have had a lot of experience surfing and “chatting” on the web, and although the idea of talking in an Online Support Group can be scary, you may be surprised at how comfortable you feel once you get used to your group.

If you are feeling uneasy, we recommend that you come to group for at least three or four weeks before deciding whether the Online Support Group is right for you. If you give it a chance and you still feel it is not for you, then it is more than OK to leave the group. Before you leave, we encourage you to be open about your concerns with the other members. You may be surprised to find others may have similar feelings. We hope that with the support of your group, you will be able to figure out what is best for you.

We recognize that Online Support Groups are not for everyone. There are many ways to be Patient Active both at TWC’s Group Loop and at other websites. We want to support you in any way that you believe helps you in your fight for recovery. Please feel free to surf around our site for more information that may be helpful.