Why Have a Support Group?

Black Hills Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Syndrome Support Group was established to:

Educate, support and provide hope – three important goals

Learn about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Receive the help we all need sometimes

Share with others who have fought the same illness (some stories cannot be shared with just anyone)

Learn good coping skills from others who have traveled the same road (self-esteem which has been battered returns when we realize others share the same illness)

Provide a healing environment (studies show that support groups can provide physical benefits in persons who are ill)

Allow us permission to be ourselves

Provide an opportunity for family and friends to learn about living with a person who has Chronic Fatigue Sydrome/ Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Validate our illness so that even when others doubt us, we have a place to belong