Support Group

[Guest_06813432]

Hi all, just coming on this forum to ask around, is there a such thing as a sort of support group where people with similar struggles just do things together? I'm trying to research as I recently got a health card, so hopefully I can have another chance at some sort of help. My problem is, I don't really want traditional group talk therapy or to talk about my issues because I find it best if I personally keep it to myself (I guess I just have the notion in my head that in groups people are supposed to talk and I don't mind listening but don't want to talk in depth about myself), but I feel like having a space to socialise with others and do activities whether it be walking or art or similar would be beneficial. Am I mistaking this for friends? I am looking at the concept "body doubling", but I don't think that's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll scrape facebook and do some more research. I don't know what's wrong with me or have money to pay for a copy of my medical record, all I know is I was working on DBT when I last had a therapist, maybe if I can get a GP bulk billed I can ask if they have any groups if I'm only allowed to be referred?

Sorry for the mess of a post, I don't know the right term for what I'm looking for is but would deeply appreciate any information or experiences anyone has. Thank you for reading, hope you are having a good day.

[Croix]

Dear Guest_06813432~

Welcome to the Forum. Being part of an in-person support group can be an excellent idea. Unfortunatly members of the Forum are not able ot suggest particular groups. From what you say a conventional support group may not be exactly what you want however there are alternatives. A well known one is The Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) which the national service provider supporting more than 1,200 Men's, Women's and Community Sheds. It caters for both men an women and does tend to be task based rather than talk based.

You can Google eihter Mens Shed or Womens Shed to see if there is one in your area

On more conventional lines:

The BlackDog Institute has a short list of groups for various conditions sorted by state/territory

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

You are welcome to ask our own 24/7 Help line who may be able to assist

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

In addition to which if you are eligible to get a Medicare Mental Health Plan though your GP then groups held by a mental health professional are one of the subsided options available, though there may be a gap payment, I'd suggest having a talk to your GP about this.

I hope the above is of some help and would be interested to know if you find one (not by name though) and if it is helpful

Croix