People are still the same after a procedure and when they are wearing a permanent ostomy bag on their bodies. The only difference is the new habits that help them maintain their health because of the condition. Remember, having a stoma is nothing to be ashamed about because why would people see it negatively? It should not, in any way, bring someone down to a lower level.
With that, ostomy care is necessary for patients. Some techniques include proper cleaning of the ostomy bag, using a barrier creamto manage the wound, and gradually going back to their favourite hobbies and activities because that is how life goes.
Overall, there is an equal emphasis on physical and mental health. Here is an article about the benefits and what happens when joining a support group.
WHAT IS A SUPPORT GROUP?
A support group is one way to practise proper ostomy care to ensure the balance between physical and mental health. The question is, what are these groups or activities?
First, it is a scheduled meeting or interaction among people with the same experience or health condition. These things usually happen in health facilities, community centres, online forums, and other organisations amenable to holding such meetings. When it comes to ostomy care, patients interact to communicate and support one another. Think of it as a collective action that strives for their health and wellness.
Support groups also come in a variety of forms. There are meetings for those who suffer from alcohol dependency, and their goal is to overcome addiction. Another would be a group for cancer patients – which is more general because some do not focus on one specific type. You can also join groups that seek to improve the mental well-being of those who suffer from such conditions.
Lastly, a support group focuses on what people often overlook: emotional support and mental health. Patients can be compliant with ostomy care techniques or use the best barrier cream for their wounds, but things can still go wrong if they are not mentally healthy. Another challenge would be how their loved ones offer support. These people have their limits, and they sometimes lack empathy because they have no idea what it feels being an ostomy patient. It is no one’s fault, and that is why a support group aims to address these problems.
THE BENEFITS OF A SUPPORT GROUP++
As mentioned earlier, there are many promises of joining a support group when practising proper ostomy care. Patients are touching an area that most people are guilty of overlooking. They also have a holistic approach to health and recovery by balancing the two most crucial things in life: physical and mental well-being. Here are the benefits of joining a support group.
#1: PEOPLE ARE THERE FOR YOU
You are not alone in this journey of wearing a urine bag and using a barrier creamto manage your wound. Joining a support group helps you frame a mindset that people are there for you. Co-patients will share their experiences, a facilitator will give you the floor to explain your thoughts and emotions, and you will feel happier after every session. It all comes from the idea that you have people to count on.
#2: YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO COPE AND ADJUST
Interacting with fellow patients is a learning experience. They can share their ostomy caretechniques – as long as the facilitator approves of it – and there might even be a time when people share their recommendations on where to get a replacement urine bag or a barrier cream for wound management. In short, these people know what it feels to be a patient: You can learn a thing or two from them.
#3: DEVELOPING MOTIVATION
Motivation is what fuels people to fulfil their purpose and goals in life. For an ostomy care patient, the goal is to live life to the fullest – well, enjoy your favourite things and food without feeling inhibited. Joining a support group is one way to develop a sense of motivation. It does not have to be a leap in life: All you need is the constant need to improve every day, big or small.
THE FEATURES OF A SUPPORT GROUP
You are always welcome in a support group. Facilitators are friendly, and the other patients greet you with their friendly disposition and smiling faces. Here are the things you should expect in your first meeting in an ostomy care group:
#1: THE FACILITATOR WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME FEAR
Nervousness is normal because you are unfamiliar with how things work. It might also be because you are not fond of sharing your ostomy caretechniques with other people. Don’t worry because the facilitator is friendly and accommodating. They will help you overcome fear during the first meeting.
#2: THERE IS A STRUCTURE OR FLOW OF DISCOURSE
In most support groups, the communication has a structure and flow. For example, the meeting will begin with a special greeting or introducing yourself to one another. There might also be a schedule for discussions – ostomy carefalls under a different topic, like using a urine bag or barrier cream. These things depend on the organisation or facilitator who decides what to do on a particular day.
#3: THEY ARE SENSITIVE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Do you feel that the topic is a bit too personal? Or you do not want to share because it invokes trauma? Feel free to skip your turn or stay silent, and the facilitator will understand whatever reason you have. A part of ostomy careis empathy and sensitivity towards your emotional needs, so they respect those things.
#4: A GUEST SPEAKER MIGHT ARRIVE AT SOME MEETINGS
Expect a medical professional, therapist, or an ostomy bagsupplier to appear at some meetings. They will share their expertise to present a worthwhile topic about ostomy care and other related things. See this as an opportunity to educate yourself on things you do not know.
Coloplast Singaporeis one of the leading retailers and care providers. If you have concerns about a urine bag or barrier cream, contact them, and they will swiftly respond.