Need some support? Help’s available online
Unlike conventional support groups, Internet versions offer help at any time. As long as Internet access is available, you have 24-hour support -- and no travel or scheduling headaches.
Some sites consist of forums that let users post and respond to messages at will. Others are chat-based, meaning they provide a chat room for visits and real-time messages. Finally, some are chat-based but have set times for members to log on and chat about their respective situations.
On the Internet, support groups exist not just for dieting but for all aspects of food consumption. Some weight-loss support groups include the Eating Disorder Message Forum (www.eating-disorder.org), Male Eating Disorders (health.groups.yahoo.com) and Picky EatingAdults.com (www.pickyeatingadults.com/index.html).
If you are trying to shed a few pounds and need some extra hand-holding, you might want to check out Mydietbuddy.com. For a $5.95 monthly fee, you’ll be grouped with other dieters who have similar goals or challenges so that you can form your own online support system.
Some people would like support in their goal to improve their health through exercise. For them, there’s an exercise message board at www.healthboards.com/boards/index.php.
HealthyPlace.com provides support on mental and emotional health issues, with advice and guidance from groups dedicated to depression, anxiety disorders, relationship troubles and more.
The site offers several levels of support. Forums where users can post and read messages at will are open 24 hours a day. And some chat rooms are always open. There also are guided support groups that meet in designated chat areas at a set time so that members can get together to talk.
Finally, the Web is a great source of comfort for people dealing with illnesses. A plethora of examples can be found at SupportPath.com (www.supportpath.com). This granddaddy of support websites features links to support groups for just about any illness, including cancer, HIV and even the flu.