Cope with diseases in self-help group

Thuringians manage diseases in self-help groups

28/10/2013

In addition to the medical treatment, thousands of Thuringian self-help groups visit. It is estimated that around 30,000 people are active in groups in the Free State.

Mainly used by older people
Whether widespread widespread diseases or rare diseases: thousands of Thuringians seeking supplementary to the medical treatment, the support of self-help groups. According to estimates of the Thuringian self-help plenum, there are about 30,000 people who are active in about 1,500 groups in the Free State. According to a survey by the news agency dpa, the offers with lectures, talks and leisure activities are mainly in demand for the elderly.

Financial support by funds and land
According to AOK Plus, the statutory health insurance companies will provide around € 537,000 for self-help this year. In addition, financial support comes from the state, which co-finances self-help with 150,000 euros per year. The number of self-help groups varies in the individual regions, for example there are 38 groups in the Hildburghausen district and 130 in the city of Jena.

Self-help forums on the Internet
For those who do not find a suitable support group in their immediate vicinity, or who do not want to communicate in direct contact with their fellow sufferers, the Internet can offer alternatives. There people can ask anonymously in self-help forums and exchange views. Users should still be careful, because not all self-help offers on the Internet are serious.
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Picture: Helene Souza