[Berries]

Some of you may know that I went to a DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance) support group meeting last week and had a terrible experience.

Well I went back anyway, last night, because I told my T I would give it another chance.

I am so glad I did. This time there were more people like me--lower functioning and on disability. I plan on going back.

Weird though--I still felt depressed (although not as acutely) and uncomfortable, during and after. I think a big reason is I felt self-conscious in my gloves. ( I also have OCD germ phobia and wear vinyl gloves everywhere.) I kept my hands in my pockets the whole time. Not that I would have, being so new and not knowing anyone, but you have to raise your hand if you want to talk. How can I do that with my gloves on? Should I explain the gloves when we go around the room at the beginning of the meeting?

Anyway--it went a lot better.

[turquoisesea]

I'm glad the meeting went better.

I think it might be worth explaining your gloves. I'm sorry you felt so self conscious during this meeting, but as you get to know the group and as they get to know you, you might be able to get less embarrassed about wearing them.

Glad to hear your second visit went better. I'd just come right out and say why you are wearing the gloves. You won't find a more understanding forum.

I work with a teacher who wears gloves all the time. In her case, she has a skin disease. She just comes right out and explains at the beginning. Then it's over with.

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((( Berries ))))))))))))))))
I'm so glad you went back and that the meeting went much better.
I'd explain about your gloves at the beginning... I'm sure they will be understanding, and probably others there will have experienced similar anxieties. Good luck, thinking of you

[Rohag]

Berries, I'm glad last night's meeting was nicer for you.
Was the conversation interesting, beneficial, stimulating? Did you find yourself wanting to be part of the conversation?

[lonegael]

I'm completely in agreement with Fuzzybear, famrergirl and Turqoise. Go ahead and tell them about the gloves. I'm sure it's not the strangest thing they've heard or seen I'm so glad you gave it another chance, though. Makes me want to do the chilli dance, if my computer weren't being so slow. Keep up the good work! HUGs in abundance!

[Berries]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Was the conversation interesting, beneficial, stimulating? Did you find yourself wanting to be part of the conversation?

Yes! It was all of those!

[Naturefreak]

(((Berries)))
Thanks for the tiger hug and glad to see you went back.

[gimmeice]

(((((((((((((( Berries ))))))))))))))))

I am glad that you went back and had a better experience.

[stickman]

i'm glad the meeting went better, I don't think it's strange or odd wearing gloves today especially with H1N1. Ihave a friend and for the last 20 years he wouldn't get on a plane without white cotton gloves. I've never heard him say why either.

[googley]

Berries-
I'm glad you went again and had a good time.

[miray]

(((((Berries)))))
I'm so glad you went back and it went better!!!! Yeah you!!!! I agree with everyone else...tell them about the gloves. Keep us posted on the next meeting:-)