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My First Support Group Meeting for Recovery HELP!

Durras
Community Member

Hi all,

I'm getting ready for my first support group meeting at Grow.

I'm going by myself and feeling very nervous and anxious.

I know I need this support and know it is vital for my recovery with depression and anxiety and also with my dependence on alcohol.

I have been feeling strong since I first acknowledged myself with having depression on Monday, I found this website and the forums have been giving my a lot of help, I've ordered a book online Managing Depression with Mindfulness for Dummies and found this Grow support group but still I'm feeling really nervous about speaking out in person and letting everything out.

Its safe to do it here on line but actually in front of people I'm really scared. I've never been comfortable around people unless I have alcohol in my system first.

Anyone with some advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Durras

4 Replies 4

thedeadlycake
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Just wishing you the best of luck, these things can indeed be scary and there is no problem with having those feelings.

It will be worth it though! Getting through that door is just another step on the journey. 

Would love to hear how it went for you.

Chicken_Wings
Community Member

Durras you're doing such good things for yourself. dont let your fear stop you.

Meeting new people can be scary and so are new situations, just remember that every single person in that room has probably felt the same apprehension as you. They understand and it is a safe place for you.

i think you might be surprised how good it feels to say what you're feeling out loud. I've never been to a support group, but ever since I started talking more openly about my feelings with selected people I've found it easier and easier to do it. In a way I'm almost jealous that you get to go! 

Sometimes I think of my depression and anxiety almost like another person, someone that's trying to keep me down. It's not me, I'm strong, I like people and I enjoy doing things. Depression and anxiety are none of those things and want to keep me stuck. So you need to prove them wrong, you need to beat them. 

If the whole idea seems overwhelming then break it down into parts. First part, getting ready. Second part, getting there. Third part, going inside, maybe make yourself a cup of tea and so on.

dont think about the whole thing, just get each part done and before you know it the whole thing will be complete. And once you've been once, every time after that will be easier.

good luck, would love to hear how it goes.

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

dear Durras, oh boy I know how you feel, and it does put us in a difficult situation, however there is a chance to be able to help you, as with everything something happens but then there is a way to overcome it, as an analogue  could explain it, if someone goes bankrupt they lose everything, all except for what you are allowed to keep, so what do they do nothing and live on the streets, no what they do is to try and build themselves up and when the bankruptcies finishes then they do everything they can to build your self self esteem back and then enter back into the work force.

When you are depressed or going through bankruptcies are you strong enough to go out and tell everyone, no, but if you have been drinking then maybe you might tell everyone, in contrast to being sober the chances are you wouldn't, however when you have support from people who also support you and have been through depression themselves then that's where your confidence begins, without the need of alcohol.

Years ago I wouldn't be seen talking about my depression, but now, I feel as though I could stand up in front of a crowd and tell them how it was, I don't feel embarrassed, because having to go through it was so much more painful than standing up telling people. Geoff.

Durras
Community Member

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for your reply, I did appreciate it a lot and it help me heaps, I was feeling so nervous and anxious, I didn't have to speak just sit in if I wanted to but inside me knew I had to as it would have felt pointless going.

I did speak and everyone was supportive, non-judging, it was nice.

The session went well, their was only 4 of us in the group and they were all lovely. It was nice to meet other people who are having similar struggles and battles.

The Grow group is a twelve step program that they follow and meet once a week. Sadly this was the last meeting for the year but I will keep going.

To Chicken Wings,

Thank you for your support too, I did take little steps and it helped, I plan to do the same with Christmas Day.

It did feel good speaking out loud and letting it all out, I knew they understood what I was saying or where I was coming from and it took a weight off my mind.

Unfortunately it has come back but I guess that is normal with depression.

Thank you and Geoff once again it means a lot to me.

Hugs to both of you

Durras