Support groups

When you are told that you are suffering from a lung disease, feelings of fear and anxiety often ensue. Acceptance can sometimes prove difficult and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are resources available to people stricken with respiratory illnesses. The Lung Association provides several free support services designed to help them deal with the problems associated with lung disease. Respiratory health professionals provide information and advice to help them manage their illness and thus improve their quality of life.

Over the past few years, the Lung Association has developed an entirely different program designed to break down the isolation from which people with pulmonary diseases often suffer. The support groups program set up in 2002, promotes relations between people experiencing similar problems, regardless of the disease (COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis) – sleep apnea – sarcoidosis – asthma…)

Respiratory health professionals provide information and advice in order to help people manage their illness and thus improve their quality of life.

A support group is an opportunity …

• to meet people, to exchange ideas and to find answers to your questions with respect to respiratory illnesses;
• to obtain information regarding lung diseases and treatments, and to learn to deal more effectively with such illnesses;
• to obtain information regarding the various programs and services provided by the Lung Association and the health network;
• to attend conferences delivered by health professionals and experts in other fields;
• to take part in exercise sessions designed for people with respiratory problems;
• to participate in social activities.

Members of the support groups meet over coffee. Spouses, friends and natural caregivers are also invited to attend the meetings.

The very essence of a support group is the willingness of individuals who want to share their daily experiences and help each other, but above all, it is the desire to participate and become involved within the group, to improve one’s wellness.

The Lung Association provides several free support services designed to help them deal with the problems associated with lung disease.

Become involved, and help yourself by the same token…

Join a support group and improve your quality of life !

Testimonials

“Support groups are formed to help us get out of the house, to show us that we are not alone in this situation, to show us how to be happy and to cope with a COPD, as well as to reassure and help those who are close to us and who worry about us.”

Francine Auger, support group
Sherbrooke area

"Maybe … Maybe not … this is the first time I’ve left a COPD meeting, feeling happy and anxiety-free!"

Hélène Courchesne, support group
Drummondville area

"Support groups are reassuring, and they reduce anxiety! You can finally go back to a lifestyle that is more normal."

Gérard Blanchet, support group
Jonquière area

For information : Mrs. Isabelle Gélinas