When you sustain a spinal cord injury, the world as you have known it can be drastically altered. Even the most empathetic and well meaning of loved ones cannot understand the incredible challenges we face. That’s why so many people with spinal cord injuries find support and solidarity in one another. Read on to determine how to find a support group either virtually or in your community.
Social Media Support
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can afford people with spinal cord injuries the opportunity to connect with one another. Many of these groups host thousands of members. Individuals can post about all things SCI and receive feedback from peers, often developing lasting relationships.
On Facebook popular groups include Spinal Cord Peer Support Worldwide, Spinal Cord Injury USA Group and SCI Life, among others. Facebook groups Exclusive to women include Wheel Mommies and Quad Squad. these social media groups are a great way to share our stories with those who understand, trade tips and tricks for living with paralysis, vent about issues we face, and find resources.
Support Groups
Multiple Support groups both in- person and virtual, are open to people with SCI.
Check out United Spinal, which hosts hundreds of support group meetings across the U.S. each month. Find one in your area here. In the event that there are no support groups in your community you can join any number of United Spinal’s sessions virtually.
These support groups are focused on the shared SCI experience. They often offer family and caregiver help as well. Between the emotional support and camaraderie, feedback and advice from seasoned members, and recreational activities offered by in- person support groups, These meetings can be very beneficial too people with spinal cord injuries.
The Christopher and Dana Reeves foundation also hosts virtual and in person meetings nationwide.
Separate groups are held for individuals living with quadriplegia, those living with paraplegia, and family members/caregivers so that meetings can focus on the unique needs and challenges of each. Group meetings are led by two facilitators: a mental health professional and a peer with lived experience. Check out meeting times and sign up here.
One-on-One Peer Support
One on one peer mentorship led by a knowledgeable member of the SCI community can be a catalyst in transitioning to life with an SCI. The social workers in your circle may not have access to or knowledge of the myriad resources available to you post injury. Even medical staff may fall short in understanding the nuances of such a severe disability.
Peer support can close those knowledge gaps, when offered by well-informed, passionate advocates. You can find them here at SPINALpedia. This huge online database of videos and articles is also a peer mentoring outlet which has helped thousands of families navigate the transition to living with SCI. Peer mentors include founder Josh Basile, who sustained a C5 injury, inspiring him to establish the nonprofit, and to become a catastrophic injury attorney!
SPINALpedia helps people with SCI to navigate tricky government benefits, fundraise effectively, advocate for accessibility in the workplace and educational settings, transition to living independently, and more.
SCI isn’t a club anyone joins voluntarily, but once you’re in, we do try to take care of our own. We are stronger together! When you believe a lawyer could help after your SCI, contact us.
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