Question:
Anxiety/depression Support Group for Social Phobics?
Answer:
I had always thought they way you do on this subject. Then just a few weeks
ago my therapist brought up that he wanted me to try group therapy. I can
honestly tell you I thought the man was sadistic even thinking about putting
me through something like that. My first session was difficult. I was late, and didn't have my paperwork
that I needed. I was wrought with panic and anxiety. Afterwards, I couldn't
get back home fast enough. I spent the next 2 days in bed with the worst
migraine.
As the weeks have gone by it has gottten easier each time. Even to the point
that yesterday a few of us even sat down and discussed the session
afterwards over a few smokes. As hard as it is to believe, it is as the
oother person said "It was very reassuring (and comforting) being with
people who were experiencing what I was going through back then". It's har d
to explain but it's reassuring to hear others discussing having the same
fears and thoughts that I do. It makes me feel less alone.
One thing that I have learned is that hiding isn't healthy, otherwise I
would never leave the house.
Just 4 weeks into group, I have gone to dinner with an old friend that I
haven't seen in months, and joined a gym, where I have even gone to twice in
a week.It's hard as hell, but I do it. Anyway, even though group sounds like
the worst idea in the world for someone with SAD, it is actually a very
effective means of treatment. I wouldn't rule it out completely with out
first trying it out.
There is an online group, alt.support.social-phobia. I visit it often,
not because I have social phobia but because my partner does and I
want to learn more about the condition.
Some people lurk a long time before posting. You are making
connections with people by posting here. As weird as it sounds Social Phobia can only be tempered by being social. I
know how wacked out that sounds but give a minute.
When I moved to this town I spent a year pretty much locked in my apartment.
My husband went to work everyday and I hid.
The old adage: Things are not as bad as they appear? It's true. If you plan
a route and plan to say hi to 1 person when you go out (even if it's only
for a coffee) then eventually you gain the confidence that most people will
say hi in return and generally want to be friendly.
Yes there are people who'll look at you funny if you say hi to them. Think
of it this way: Why are THEY so afraid of someone saying hi to them?
The bonus to group work in treatment is that everybody else has the same
fear. So it makes it easier to relate to them. She certainly is. Right I mean. For years my social anxiety was like my
agoraphobia - fine within a defined comfort zone, disastrous outside of it,
that is, whenever I was forced out of it. But finally I was forced out, in
the company of some really decent people who became very good friends. I
watched and learned, and discovered that I could do much more than I
thought I could. You're not a loser. Remember that. You have a behavioral disorder rooted
in a biochemical/bioneurological abnormality. Unfortunately that means you
have to work harder than most people and to learn to overcome it. *Re-engage* ... I sort of like that term, even if it could be construed to
mean a confrontational situation, not the sort of positive approach that
the therapists advocate.
