Illness and Disability

Finding support

What you are dealing with every day is hard. Sometimes you just want a shoulder to cry on, or someone to listen. It is 100% normal to need to talk to a counselor, friends and family, and other girls who are going through the same things you are.

Ask your doctor to recommend a local support group to meet others who share your illness or disability. If your doctor has not already given you the name of one, ask if there is a counselor you can talk to. A counselor who specializes in talking with kids like you can really help you to feel stronger and less worried.

Don’t forget: If you are in the hospital, your best support will probably be right down the hall. Your new friends and neighbors in the hospital know exactly what you are going through. You can cheer one another up if it’s needed, and find fun things to do while you are getting care. Having a friend right there can also make the hospital seem less scary.

Helpful Tools

• Commonthread.org has activities, stories from other kids, and ways to talk with other kids.
• The Starbright Foundation provides an on-line chat community for children and teens that are sick, as well as helpful information. 
• 2beMe is a site for teens with cancer. Check it out for helpful information and support.
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has on-line information for teens to help you through the tough times. Read advice from other teens.
• For more links and information, see our For More Information section.

Return to Illness and Disability Main Page

Other Illness and Disability pages:
Types of illness and disability
Born with an illness or disability
Learning you have an illness or disability
Living with an illness or disability
Rehabilitation
Becoming independent
Games and activities
Medical issues
Medical terms
Do you know someone with an illness or disability?
For more information...

girlshealth.gov Glossary

Last updated June 2007