Support Groups

[Panic90]

Hi everyone

I am looking to join/participate in a support group. I don't know how to find one to suit my circumstances.

In short, I have anxiety and PTSD from being verbally and physically assaulted by a supervisor at work over an extended period of time.

In my googling, all the support groups don't seem to apply to me. It wasn't sexual abuse or domestic violence. I don't have physical or cognitive disabilities. I am over 25 years old but still young. I wasn't abused as a child. I don't have children myself. I haven't been in jail. I don't have a refugee or culturally diverse background. I don't need assistance with housing daily living support. (I mention all these as they seem to be a common theme for support groups).

I am mostly a functioning person, I work full time. I engage with a psychiatrist on and off (I'm off at the moment). I just want to see if a support group will assist with feeling less alone. It's a strange set of circumstances.

Does anyone have any ideas where to look? I live in Queensland but also happy to participate in online groups. Also able to pay for the service if required

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there

What about GROW? It seems to fit with your situation, and can be done in person or online. Disclaimer - I can't recommend them as I've thus far been too chicken to join. But the concept of peer to peer support looks good.

Katy

[Croix]

Dear Panic90~

I am sorry to hear of your experiences, it is such a horrible thing to happen. I think it could fall within the sphere of workplace bullying, as well as other things.

Unfortunately we here in the Support Forum are unable to suggest support groups.

Cam I suggest you contact both our own 24/7 Help Line on 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14, tell them your circumstances and whereabouts you live and see what suggestions they have. I doubt there are support groups that charge, and online can be a possibility if reputable, moderated and private.

Good luck

Don't forget you can talk here too and receive our understanding and support.

Croix

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Panic90,

Thank you for your post- unfortunately a lot of support groups are like fight clubs in being hidden in nature until you know they are around! You may want to try your local council, hospital, GP or even therapist to see if they're aware of any.

Meanwhile, I've had no luck finding PTSD support groups but here's some I found for anxiety -

https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/topics/anxiety-support-group/au/brisbane/

https://www.arcvic.org.au/community-education/online-support-group-bookings

http://understandinganxiety.wayahead.org.au/support-groups/

https://www.selfhelpqld.org.au/find/

Hope this helps and best of luck,

rt

[Amanda2000]

Hi there,

Further to rt's post above, I can see WayAhead is running 4 online support groups via Zoom at the moment. Scroll down to Online Groups section - http://understandinganxiety.wayahead.org.au/support-group-locations/

[Panic90]

Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions. I will check them out

Croix I find Lifeline and Beyond Blue staff, the latter in particular, to be generally unhelpful and vague but I do appreciate the suggestion.

[Croix]

Dear Panic90~

I'm sorry our help line was unhelpful.

My only other suggestion is to use thefollowing link, and then use it as a starting point for your inquiries, maybe ringing up the groups mentioned and asking them if they know of anythng

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

Hope this helps, a decent support group is worth a far bit of effort.

Croix

[missep123]

Hi Panic90,

I am so glad that others have posted some great suggestions! I am so glad that you have reached out here as amongst everyone there is a vast amount of knowledge and lived experience.

Personally I have found that for those seeking support groups asking your GP or mental health professional can be a great start! Psychologists/counsellors tend to hear through the grapevine of any good ones too so they may be able to recommend some. Hospitals local to you may also be able to provide these services but I have heard that the popular ones tend to have a long wait list (but can be worth it!).

Please let us know how you go!

[Guest_4643]

Hi Panic90, welcome. I'm sorry you're feeling this way and struggling.

You could try the links provided below, or maybe do a Google search to see if there's anything local to you or online, if you haven't already? I don't know QLD I'm afraid.

Either way, I hope you can find a support group or some sort of support at some point, soon hopefully.

Meanwhile, we're here for you, and I hope you feel supported here. Sorry I can't offer more support. I struggle to find mental health stuff for myself in person and online too.