How to Find a Hyperhidrosis Support Group & Why They Matter

When I was first diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, I felt so lost.

I was 20 years old and I didn’t know anyone else with hyperhidrosis. Other than the topical antiperspirant that my doctor prescribed me (which gave me an itchy rash), I wasn’t aware of any other treatments or products that could ease my excessive sweating.

I felt embarrassed and ashamed of my sweaty body, and for many years I didn’t share my diagnosis with many people. It was a lonely and isolating time.

It’s been over 20 years now since the day I received my diagnosis — and over those years, I’ve learned so much about my condition. I’ve learned about treatment options, products and sneaky hacks that help me get through my days.

And, most importantly, I’ve learned that I’m not alone. In fact, there are 385 million people worldwide who suffer from hyperhidrosis!

Looking back at my hyperhidrosis journey, I think I could of hugely benefitted from community along the way — especially in those early days.

Being part of a community of other women with hyperhidrosis could have saved me so much grief, loneliness and time spent researching and trial-and-erroring various solutions on my own.

If you’re curious about how a hyperhidrosis support group could help you, I’ve assembled a comprehensive guide here on how to find a community that fits your style. I also discuss why support groups matter.

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Let’s begin by discussing what a support group is.

What is a hyperhidrosis support group?

At their core, support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where members can connect with others who are facing similar experiences.

Support groups enable members to share experiences, provide and receive emotional support, learn from others and feel less alone. They come in all shapes and sizes and they can be formal or informal.

In general, there are two types of support groups:

In-person support groups. These groups typically meet in-person in a set location such as a community centre, library, coffee shop, clinic or hospital. A trained facilitator, coach or healthcare professional will usually lead them.
Online support groups. These groups exist online and can take many different forms. They might be hosted on websites, social media platforms, forums or community platforms. They allow people to come together and connect with others from anywhere in the world.

When it comes to hyperhidrosis-specific support groups, you’ll likely find that online groups significantly out number in-persons support groups.

This brings us to our next point: how to find a hyperhidrosis support group.

How can I find a hyperhidrosis support group?

Depending on what type of group you’re interested in, there are several ways to find a hyperhidrosis support group:

Ask your healthcare provider. Although this might lead to a dead end, it doesn’t hurt to ask you doctor or healthcare provider if they know of any local hyperhidrosis support groups.
Search online. You’ll likely have better luck with this option. If you spend some time searching online, you should be able to find several different hyperhidrosis support groups and communities.
Ask other hyperhidrosis sufferers. If you know someone else who has hyperhidrosis, they might be able to recommend a few groups. Another option is to ask members of a hyperhidrosis forum if they can recommend a group.

Now that you know where to look to find a support group, let’s talk about what you should look for and what to expect.

What should I consider when joining a hyperhidrosis support group?

Joining a hyperhidrosis group can be a gamechanger, but there are a few things you should consider — and be ready for — so you can get the most out of the experience:

Do your research. Before you join a group, take some time to learn about the group and what it offers. As I mentioned earlier, some groups are more formal, such as in-person sessions led by trained clinicians, while others are more casual, such as open forums that allow members to contribute to discussions they’re interested in.
Find a group that’s a good fit for you. Once you know the options are available, think about which ones will best match your personal preferences and goals. There are support groups for people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds — take some time to find a group that feels comfortable and supportive to you.
Get involved. Once you’ve joined your ideal group, resist the temptation to sit back and listen. Participate in the discussion and share your own experiences. The more you put into a support group, the more you’ll get out of it.
Be open and honest. Similarly, push yourself to speak from your heart, even if it feels scary. Sharing your experiences and feelings is beneficial for both you and other members — and it might just lead to some incredible breakthroughs.
Be respectful of others. Remember that while everyone in the support group is there for the same reason, not everyone will have experienced hyperhidrosis in the same way. There are varying degrees of severity of hyperhidrosis, and some people experience more or less adversity because of their condition. Be respectful of others’ experiences and opinions.

5 benefits of joining a hyperhidrosis support group

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not a support group is even right for you, keep reading.

It turns out that there are many benefits of joining a hyperhidrosis support group. Here are 5 of those benefits:

Reduce your feelings of isolation. Hyperhidrosis can be a lonely condition. Support groups provide a space for you to connect with others who understand your struggles. Sharing experiences, challenges, and the ups and downs of living with hyperhidrosis can foster a sense of belonging and lessen your feelings of isolation.
Learn more about hyperhidrosis. Support groups can be a great way to learn more about your condition. Many support groups will offer their members information about hyperhidrosis symptoms, treatments and coping strategies. They may also provide updates on the latest research on hyperhidrosis.
Feel seen, heard and validated. When you live with hyperhidrosis, it’s easy to invisible and like you’re the only one experiencing it. A support group can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to openly discuss your experiences without judgment. The validation and empathy you’ll receive from other group members can help you feel acknowledged, understood and less alone in your sweating.
Gain practical tips and sweat hacks. Support groups offer a platform for members to share practical tips and advice on how to cope with hyperhidrosis. This can include tips around clothing choices, sweat-focused products, treatment options and general life hacks for managing sweating in different situations. The ideas you gain through your support group can help you take control of your condition and improve your quality of life.
Enjoy emotional support from people who get it. Hyperhidrosis can take a huge emotional toll on you. People with hyperhidrosis are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression and most people will say that hyperhidrosis decreases their quality of life. People without hyperhidrosis have a hard time understanding just how taxing this condition is. Hyperhidrosis support groups surround you with people who truly understand. As a result, you might just find yourself leaving with a renewed sense of hope.

Finding a hyperhidrosis support group can be a truly life-changing experience. A support group can take you from feeling alone, lost and discouraged to feeling understood, connected and empowered.

If this sounds good, I encourage you to seek out a hyperhidrosis support group that’s right for you!