August 19, 2025

101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups

20 minutes

Being in vestibular disorder support groups can be really helpful—at first. But many of them share posts that are anxiety-provoking and over time, these spaces can leave you feeling drained vs empowered.

This isn’t the case for every single support group out there. But if this is your experience, I want you to know you’re not alone in that.

This episode is all about vestibular disorder support groups and chronic illness support groups in general.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Why people join support groups

What the support group experience is often like

The pros and cons of being in support groups

Why these spaces for healing sometimes turn into negative echo chambers

How to vet advice shared in these online communities

What makes a support space actually supportive

Questions to ask yourself to evaluate groups you’re currently in

I share so much information for free (here on the podcast, on the blog, etc.) because I want you to be aware. Aware of what can help with your vestibular disorder, what has been scientifically proven, and what your options truly are.

We do lots of good things in VGF to set you up for healing and success—wins of the week, challenges, questions with engagement and context. And everything is grounded in nervous system safety with evidence-based, science-backed tools that help you with your vestibular disorder.

We do not do toxic positivity in VGF, but we do do regulated realism. Because your nervous system is always listening. The stories you consume become your inner narrative. So be careful about the content you consume and choose spaces that speak to your healing. They’re out there—I promise!

Links/Resources Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout!)

More Links/Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠

⁠Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off your first subscription cycle!) ⁠

Connect with Dr. Madison:

⁠@⁠⁠TheVertigoDoctor ⁠

⁠@TheOakMethod⁠

⁠@VestibularGroupFit⁠

Connect with Dr. Jenna

@dizzy.rehab.therapist

Work with Dr. Madison

1:1, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular Group Fit

Small Group Coaching (offered throughout the year, sign up for our email list to learn when!)

Why The Oak Method? Learn about it here!

Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

—————————————

vestibular support group, pros and cons of support groups, VM support group, VGF, vestibular group fit, support groups, chronic illness support groups, reflection moment, vestibular migraine, VM attack, support group experience, online community, negativity bias, autonomy, confirmation bias, identity entanglement, trauma-informed, peer-support, invisible illness

...more