Are the Grow anxiety support groups helpful?

[Moose17]

I’m in therapy for complex trauma, but I’m looking to start attending a support group because I have no support system outside of therapy. I attended one of The WayAhead support groups a couple of months ago, but they don’t hold those meetings near where I live so I haven’t been back. Grow Australia offers a 12-step support group type thing near my place, so I was wondering if that might be more viable, but I’m wondering if others have found this helpful? Because of my trauma background, I’m very wary of socialising with others and I’m so scared of trying something like this and having it backfire. If you have any experience or advice about attending this support group (or any others) please do share if you can.

[mmMekitty]

Hello Moose17

I want to welcome you to BB Forums, a safe & supportive community of people from all over Australia.

Many years ago, it was suggested to me to find a similar group, but I found it daunting to be amongst people in a group setting. Sometimes I think I might like to try a group of some sort, maybe support, maybe therapeutic, I haven't been sure which. I tend to feel nervous just thinking about it, so I'm sorry I can't help you much.

Before COVID, I had belonged to a writers' group for many years. At first even that was difficult, even though there was a specific purpose we met for & a pattern to the meetings so I sort-of knew what to expect, it still took me a couplde years to feel comfortable.

It was a challenge, which became a pleasure & helped me very much with how I feel about being within a group.

So, if you feel you might find it easier to join a group of people who share a hobby or have some particular reason to meet, then maybe you'd might try that first.

Also, if you are able to contact someone in the GROW group & talk to them, maybe several times, before going to a meeting? Do you think that would help? You could ask all your questions & air your concerns before going.

In the meantime, feel free to come here to BB & talk with us. Browse the website. There is a lot of info & discussions to be found here.

Hugzies

mmMekitty

[divine_inner_goddess]

Hello Moose17, 

I have been looking into joining a GROW group too. I called them and spoke to a guy called Justin. He suggested that I do the one hour introduction Zoom meeting that runs every week just to get info about how it all works. Then apparently a group leader can contact you for a chat before you go to a group. I think this is a good way to get a feel for it it is the right thing for you. 

I just did the Zoom thingy today. It was interesting. But I am still unsure if it will be right for me. I have complex PTSD and I am worried that some comments from people may potentially be triggering for me.

I might just sit on it for a bit. And maybe talk to a group leader before I go along to try a meeting.

I am curious to see if anyone replies to your post that has been to GROW groups. 

All the best,