Abelia

[Abelia]

I have suffered from social anxiety from a very young age. I understand and except my condition and symptoms much better these days. Having said that I can still get really anxious in group situations. For me my body and mind seems to stop functioning effectively. Sometimes in these situations I feel like the whole world is waiting for me to make a mistake. I understand this is completely irrational on my part. But my mind and body indicates something else. I’ve been involved in other group works over the years which has helped me over come my fears and help me understand my condition. The group work was extremely important as I meet other people from all walks of life that had similar symptoms as I had. I wasn’t alone anymore!

[Mark Z.]

Hi Abelia,

Congratulations for finding the key to getting on the right track, it's really amazing!

And THANK YOU for coming here to share your experience, super heartwarming.

To my understanding it should be a peer support group, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Would you like to share how you managed to find and access this kind of group? It will be helpful for a lot of us here for sure.

Mark

[Croix]

Dear Abelia~

Welcome here to the Support Forum. It is certainly a place where you will find others with Social Anxiety.

Having read your post I'm a little vague if you have come here to seek out a group -which you certainly can, or to tell people with your condition the benefits of being in a group, which can be very true.. Would you like to say more?

Having had Social Anxiety from a young age you sound encouraging when you say you "understand and except my condition and symptoms much better these days". Also that you have found group work to have assisted you, even if you still do have occasions where you became anxious in groups.

I'm guessing that the group work that helped might either have been a support group in the community, or else a therapy group conducted by a professional.

Would you like to say if I'm on the right track?

If you browse the Anxiety section of the Forum you will find may wiht similar conditions, and maybe you can find one you relate to and post to them.

You are right, being no longer alone is a treasure, and here you are among friends

Croix

[Abelia]

I’ve had many counselling sessions over the years for individual problems and relationship issues with other people. I was a member of AA for 17 years and found the group extremely helpful. What I liked about AA was identifying with other people which had the same or similar symptoms or problems that I had experienced. I’ve been aware of beyond blue through the media for many years and was always interested on what support groups they have.

[Croix]

Dear Abelia~

I'm most impressed with the length of your stay wiht AA and pleased you found being with like people of assistance. You are quite right, it can make a big difference.

Unfortunatly here in this Forum we are unable to suggest a particular group in a specific area, however two suggestions would be:

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/support-groups/

Which has a listing of groups by state and territory. Even if they do not have anything in your area the closest groups listed may well be able to suggest those that are nearer -a bit of detective work on your part

Another option would be to ring our own Beyond Blue 24/7 help line - 1300 22 4636 - and ask there, once again they may be able to point you in the right direction.

I hope this is of some help. Please also do not disregard the Forum itself, many will have had similar experiences and like to chat (I suggest you try the threads in the Anxiety Area for a start).

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety

I hope this helps

Croix