Support Groups

At the Myocarditis Foundation, we understand that the emotional effects of myocarditis can be profound. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling with trauma from your diagnosis, or facing fears about your health, you’re not alone. Emotional support is a vital part of healing, and we’ve compiled resources to help you manage your mental health during this journey.

If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one due to myocarditis or struggling with anticipatory grief, because of the uncertainties surrounding your condition, connecting with grief support organizations can offer comfort and guidance. These organizations provide compassionate environments where you can share your story, connect with others, and begin to heal. Grief counseling and support groups offer a safe space to process your emotions and move forward at your own pace.

Grief Support Organizations:

• The Compassionate Friends
• GriefShare
• National Alliance for Grieving Children
• Bereaved Parents of the USA
• HealGrief Actively Moving Forward for Young Adults
• Soaring Spirits International Widowed Village 

Finding a Qualified Therapist or Psychologist

If you’re experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or fears related to your condition, talking to a licensed therapist or psychologist can provide significant relief. Therapy can help you work through trauma, understand your emotions, and build coping strategies to manage the emotional impact of myocarditis. You can use online directories to find mental health professionals in your area who specialize in grief, trauma, and chronic illness support.

Resources to Find a Therapist

• Psychology Today – Comprehensive directory for finding licensed mental health professionals. It allows you to filter by location, specialty, insurance, and treatment style, making it easy to find the right therapist for your specific needs.
• GoodTherapy – Connects people with therapists who support healthy, ethical practices. The platform includes filters for location, specialties (such as trauma, PTSD, or grief), and insurance compatibility.
• Therapist Finder – National Register of Health Service Psychologists
  This directory features licensed psychologists who meet high standards of training and experience. It’s an excellent resource for finding a qualified professional for mental health support.
• BetterHelp provides online therapy, connecting you with licensed therapists through video, phone, or chat sessions. It’s a flexible option for those who prefer virtual care.
• Talkspace offers online therapy with licensed therapists through various digital platforms, including messaging, video, and audio.
• Zencare offers a hand-picked list of therapists in various locations and allows you to view introductory videos of therapists before booking a consultation. 
• Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network of mental health professionals offering affordable, in-person, and online therapy. This resource is great for those seeking low-cost options.

Each of these platforms provides tools and filters to help you find a therapist or psychologist who meets your needs in terms of location, specialty, and insurance coverage.

Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can make a world of difference. Peer-to-peer support groups offer a sense of community where you can share your thoughts and fears with people who truly understand what you’re going through. Online platforms, such as Facebook, provide safe spaces where myocarditis patients, survivors, and caregivers can find support, ask questions, and offer advice.

If you prefer to speak with someone rather than communicate via an online group, please contact the Myocarditis Foundation and we can assist in connecting you with someone who has been in a similar situation.

Peer Support Groups:

• Inspire Myocarditis Community 
• Inspire Pericarditis Community 
• Giant Cell Myocarditis Warriors and Family 
• Viral Myocarditis Facebook Group 
• Alexander Jansons Myocarditis UK 
• Myocarditis Awareness UK 
• Big Hearts Australia Myocarditis Awareness 
• New Zealand and Australia Myocarditis/Pericarditis Support Group 

Disclaimer:
While the Myocarditis Foundation provides links to peer support groups and social media communities, we cannot verify the accuracy or reliability of the information shared by others within these groups. Please remember that these groups are for emotional support and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical questions or treatment decisions.

By taking advantage of these resources, we hope you can find comfort, guidance, and a community that supports you emotionally as you navigate the challenges of myocarditis.