armchair: often applied to persons who are addicted to home-made views of matters in which they have no first-hand knowledge The Oxford English Dictionary
I have met many people who have no real knowledge of IBD or the accompanying treatments, but who nonetheless feel qualified to offer (unsolicited) advice on my disease, medication, diet and lifestyle.
Most of these people are simply misinformed, and do not understand how their ‘well-meant’ comments are often very unsettling and upsetting. Here are my thoughts on how to identify and tame a wild armchair expert.
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We now have support groups (locally or online) to help us through any with any number of life’s challenges. This is particularly true for those with serious (chronic or acute) health problems. One of the major functions of IBD Associations around the world is to provide support through local groups or member networks. There are also more informal online communities of patients.
And yet many IBDers (and other people with chronic illnesses) do not join a support group or online forum. They may register with an Association, having been given the forms by their doctor, but they do not join and engage with the community. Last week I gave you the first 3 reasons not to join a support group (and why you should join anyway).
Here are the final 4 reasons…
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We now have support groups (locally or online) to help us through any number of life’s challenges. This is particularly true for those with chronic or acute health problems. One of the major functions of IBD Associations around the world is to provide support through local groups or member networks. There are also more informal online communities of patients.
The purpose of these groups is usually one or more of the following:
- offer understanding and emotional support to patients and their families/loved ones
- provide access to the latest medical information
- share personal knowledge and experience
- use the power of the group to advocate for greater funding, research, care or awareness
My experience with support groups
And yet many IBDers and other people with chronic illnesses (that I know of) do not immediately join a support group. They may register with an Association, having been given the forms by their doctor, but they do not join and engage with the community.
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