DiscoverGrounded | The Vestibular Podcast101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups
101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups

101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups

Update: 2025-08-19
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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!


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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.


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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

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101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups

101. Pros & Cons of Online Chronic Illness Support Groups

Dr. Madison Oak, PT, DPT