Celiac Support Groups are an Important Part of the Healing Process

Pushpa Kapadia DIRECTOR, CANADIAN CELIAC ASSOCIATION, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Celiac disease is life changing, and with that many questions arise. The Canadian Celiac Association, British Columbia. is here to provide support to anyone impacted by Celiac Disease and/ or gluten sensitivity. Our Celiac support groups consist of people with similar experiences and concerns. And these support groups provide individuals with a safe place to discuss their condition, as well as ask questions they may have and also gain knowledge on their condition. The support groups were created to encourage, support and comfort those living with the disease, allowing them to recognize that they are not alone and that there are people here to help.

Benefits of joining our support group:

1. The group gives you the opportunity to share personal experiences and feelings including your story, your fears and your successes

2. Realization that you’re not alone. Individuals often feel encouraged to gain control of their disease, and learn how to best live with it. It is comforting to be in a room and know that others share the same challenges, and that they understand what you are facing.

3. A platform to express your feelings: Sharing emotions and life circumstances with the group create a feeling of comfort. No-one is judgmental, and others in the group will listen and praise you for your courage and openness.

4. Knowledge: We offer a lot of tips and resources for those living with celiac disease. Answers to questions like, what to do and what not to do? What to eat and what not to? Things to look for when going shopping, how to manage the kitchen when sharing with family members who are not living gluten free. 5. Hope: It’s powerful when you see others in the group who are further along their road to feeling better and healthier. Success stories have a positive impact on our lifestyle.

6. Increase self-understanding: As you learn more effective ways to manage, transitioning into a GF lifestyle becomes easier, you’ll feel more confident and this is a positive sign of progress being made.

7. Support others: Help others who are newly diagnosed in the group to grow and make progress, giving back the support that you received when you first joined. Others will be positively affected by hearing about your successes and your kind, caring nature. You’ll also notice you feel better when you are able to help someone else.

Overall, the support group is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and should definitely be considered as an important part of ones healing process. ◆