Being diagnosed with a chronic illness like pancreatitis can bring up a range of emotions. You may feel scared, confused, isolated or angry about your diagnosis. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed or have been dealing with chronic pancreatitis for a while, you might be looking for support.
Benefits of Support for Patients with Chronic Disease
Support for chronic disease patients does many things: It can help you feel less alone by bringing you together with other patients with the same condition, it can allow you to safely process your emotions, and give you skills to better cope with challenges, it can provide education and resources to you and your family and much more.
Forms of support can include:
- Online or in-person support groups
- Individual or group therapy
- Social workers
Pancreatitis Support Resources
The National Pancreas Foundation
The National Pancreas Foundation funds cutting-edge research, advocates for new and better therapies and provides support and education for patients, families, caregivers and healthcare providers.
The foundation offers a patient support community where patients and families can ask questions of and support each other.
Mission: Cure
Mission: Cure is a growing community of patients, families, scientists and clinicians “driving new research, accelerating drug discovery and development and creating hope for improved quality of life” for patients with pancreatitis.
As part of its efforts to support patients and families, Mission: Cure provides educational and support materials in the form of webinars, blogs and patient stories.
Rebecca’s Wish
Rebecca’s Wish seeks to provide hope to children with pancreatitis. It was founded by Rebecca Taylor, who experienced her first episode of pancreatitis at 7 years old. Because pediatric pancreatitis is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, Rebecca’s Wish seeks to educate clinicians and healthcare providers about pediatric pancreatitis and provide support for children and their families with the condition.
In addition to the above organizations, your physician, healthcare team, family and friends can provide support to you. If you’re in need of support resources, speak to your healthcare team.
