Ever try a support group?

[melissaqu]

I was wondering if any of you have tried going to any support groups. I've bee thinking about it and doing research but I wonder how much I'll freak out being in a room with people, even though they're there for the same reason.

[annaa]

I haven't tried one, but I might. There's a 'creative writing/self-help' group at my local library and i'm seriously considering going.
If I make it there, i'll report back.

[melissaqu]

Thanks Anna. Keep me posted

I was actually talking to someone today about it from a support group to get more information. Just going for an initial assessment scares the hell out of me. I'm sure in one of these anxiety groups we'll be forced to speak to practice, and that's what I fear the most. Should I just jump in or what? I'm confused and I don't know if I can really do it, but I've read so many success stories and I'm almost sure that I'm willing to try it.

[huskydawg]

I've been to a group (i guess it was depression, and Social Anx.) before with about 5 other people. It didn't work out too well for me. I did admit a lot of my problems, but they just smiled and nodded and moved on. Spending 20$ a week was a waste for me. Maybe mine wasn't set up well at all, they just wanted us to develop a trust, but I kinda felt left out even in a group where everyone was that way.

[melissaqu]

I'm sorry it turned out for you that way. I've heard they can be quiet helpful. I'm just too scared to start one. How was it walking into the room for the first time?

[Sweet Pea]

i've tried support groups in the past. i found them helpful at the time. it was super scary to go at first. i mean, deliberately going into a room full of strangers to talk about your innermost feelings, painful experiences, etc...yikes! but it was actually a very beneficial, healing experience for me...and in one case, a bunch of us became friends and went out together after every meeting after we got to know each other.

[Naptaq]

I've heard great things about 12 step groups. or every other group for the matter. as long as the intention and the "vibe" of the group is towards helping and loving each other. it's beneficial just to be in a group like that.. But it also depends a lot on yourself. It takes courage to admit certian things about yourself, and in some cases as soon as you say it, it changes it's grip on you. It can't hold on anymore if you accept it and don't dwell in it.

[melissaqu]

Thanks for your opinions, it seems like it has worked despite the scare. My fear is actually getting myself to go through the door, what if I get there and I can't go in?

[annaa]

melissaqu said:

Thanks for your opinions, it seems like it has worked despite the scare. My fear is actually getting myself to go through the door, what if I get there and I can't go in?

The group I went to this week.. Someone else (my Dad) walked me to the door and had to almost push me in. lol
It paid off though.

[melissaqu]

How many people were in your group Anna? I was just wondering because I would assume that they're rather small. Please! Tell me about your experience there. How did it go? What did you all talk about? Did you have to talk, or could you just listen? How did you feel once you walked through that door? I need advice!

[melissaqu]

I just recently learned about meetup.com from my therapist. She suggested that I join one of the groups on there. I found one for Social Anxiety but it's a bit far from me, so I might not go. It's just scary to feel like I might be put on the spot to speak, I hate that attention, or any attention. I just need to force myself to do that though.

Thanks for all of the information!

[zaab]

melissaqu said:

I just recently learned about meetup.com from my therapist. She suggested that I join one of the groups on there. I found one for Social Anxiety but it's a bit far from me, so I might not go. It's just scary to feel like I might be put on the spot to speak, I hate that attention, or any attention. I just need to force myself to do that though.

Thanks for all of the information!

That's a great place, though my area is too small and has only a few, really strange, active groups. Back to the drawing board.

Oh, and I did belong to a group as part of my therapy (in Great Neck, NY, btw) and there was no forced participation. You said what you wanted when you felt courageous enough to participate.

Gah, and it really looks like you have to live near a major metro area to find a group. That's disappointing.

[melissaqu]

I think I heard about the Great Neck therapy group. I was doing some research and came across it. I'm not really sure where it's located, but I live north of Manhattan and figured if I didn't know where it was, it was probably too far from me.

What was it like for you zaab and for how long did you go?

[zaab]

melissaqu said:

I think I heard about the Great Neck therapy group. I was doing some research and came across it. I'm not really sure where it's located, but I live north of Manhattan and figured if I didn't know where it was, it was probably too far from me.

What was it like for you zaab and for how long did you go?

Its on the north shore of Long Island, just across the border from Queens, probably not a huge distance in mileage, for you, but given the traffic, I can just imagine. I went for a couple years. Group was cool. There were from fifteen to twenty people at every session. One of the therapists headed the group. We would have topics or someone would bring up a topic and we moved from there. I went from being a nonparticipant to being an active participant.

A few people from group would often hang out afterwards at cafe. We would occasionally have planned outings, like going to a restaurant or a club. I got together with a few guys from group to go mountain biking. My work schedule was crap and I had to discontinue group towards the end which I regret doing.

If you want more details, I'll be happy to provide them.

[Buzzz]

I'm in one now. It's not going very well; I can never think of anything to say. Everyone else seems to have tangible problems to deal with (friends, parents, etc), and I'm just don't know where to begin. Plus, I don't like the therapist leading the group; she treats it as if she were teaching a class and not leading a support group.