Do you have Huntington’s disease in your family? Do you provide care for someone with HD? Do you have symptoms of HD or are you at risk? Would you like to meet other people who have been affected by HD? Are you interested in learning strategies to help you deal with HD?
Support can range from simply lending a helping hand to learning self-care, resources, and stress management. A support group is also a place for people to share concerns and obtain emotional support. Attending a support group may be a difficult decision, one that may open many doors and offer connections.
San Diego in-person support groups include groups for people affected by HD and caregivers. Each group is led by a facilitator. Speakers such as healthcare professionals, legal experts, and housing and placement specialists may also be invited to speak.
If you are not currently on our support group mailing list and would like to be, please email Nichole Mendoza at nmendoza@hdsa.org.
Here are our support groups options:
In-person meeting: HD Positive Group and Caregivers Group (meet at the same location and time)
HDSA Hey Peers Online Support Groups:
California HD Positive Group
Southern CA HDSA Caregiver Support Group
HD Bereavement Support Group
Southern CA HDSA General Support Group
IN-PERSON HD POSITIVE GROUP & CAREGIVERS GROUP SAN DIEGO AREA
When: last Tuesday of each month, 5-6:30 pm. Refreshments and socializing from 5-5:30 pm. Meeting is from 5:30-6:30pm.
December 26th, 2023, the support group is canceled.
2024 In-person-meetings: Jan 30, Feb 27, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, July 30, Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 29, Nov 26
Where: UC San Diego Shiley-Marcos ADRC
East Campus Office Building (ECOB)
9444 Medical Center Dr.,
La Jolla, CA 92037
Rooms 3-007 and 3-093
How to sign up for Hey Peers for online HDSA Support Groups:
Step-by-step instructions with pictures on how to sign up for Hey Peers
Step-by-step instructions with pictures on How to Register for Support Groups on HeyPeers
If you have any challenges registering, please contact either Susan Reynolds, LCSW, at sreynold@hdsa.org or Laura Seyffert, MS, at lauralseyffert@gmail.com for assistance.
CALIFORNIA HD PERSON SUPPORT GROUP
Who: We invite all persons with HD Symptoms to join this support group, which will include participants across California. Come join us to connect with other HD persons and discuss triumphs and challenges, ask questions, and get support from others that know what having HD is like! If you live outside California but receive HD care in CA, you are welcome to attend.
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 12-1:30 pm
2024: Jan 16, Feb 20, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
SOUTHERN CA HDSA CAREGIVER GROUP
Who: We invite all persons who are caregivers to individuals with HD to join this support group which will include participants across Southern California. Come join us to connect with other Caregivers and learn from one another's experiences
When: Third Sunday of each month, 5-6 pm
2023: Dec 15th
2024: Jan 15, Feb 19, March 19, Al 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Who: This support group is open to any persons (18 & over) who are grieving the loss of an HD loved one. Often, it is hard for others to understand or relate to the grief and loss our HD families experience, and our hope is this group can provide a safe platform to openly discuss all aspects of grief/loss associated with the death of an HD loved one. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~Author Unknown
Facilitators: Amy Slavin (HDSA Center of Excellence at UCLA), Susan Reynolds (OC and San Diego HDSA Social Worker), Elle Tadina-Siau (HDSA Center of Excellence at Northern California Kaiser)
When: 4th Tuesday of each month, 12-1 pm
2023: Dec 28th
2024: Jan 25, Feb 27, Mar 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 26, Dec 24
SOUTHERN CA GENERAL HDSA GENERAL SUPPORT GROUP
Who: All persons who are living with HD, at risk for HD, or caring for someone with HD
When: 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-6 pm
2023: Dec 10
2024: Jan 14, Feb 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8
What makes an effective support group? Involvement from the HD community, people spreading the word about the group, willingness to participate in a group setting and share experiences, and cooperation and collaboration among members
What are some benefits of a support group? Meeting others familiar with the effects of HD, caregiving strategies, self-help strategies, and knowledge about reliable community care and resources.
We hope to see you at our next meeting!