[gypsymama]

At the urging of my therapist, I have joined 2 Depression support groups in my area, that way I have a meeting every week. But I'm really nervous about going to these groups. It's one thing to type things on your laptop to strangers you don't know and talking to people face to face. I'm not sure if I'm ready. Anyone else out there try these groups? Do they help at all?

[SophiaG]

I can't imagine itd hurt you to try it . I mean you're already posting in a depression section on a forum, this is sort of like a support group.

[DocJohn]

There's a fair amount of research that demonstrates the potential effectiveness of support groups for people, face to face. But like any treatment option, it's one of those things that you won't know until you try it. Research can only speak in general, it can't speak to how any individual is going to react or benefit from such an option.

I'd keep an open mind and try it if it were me. It takes a lot of guts to walk in that door and see what might come of it, so you should be proud for making it that far. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

DocJohn

[gypsymama]

Well, I attended my first group on Saturday, and it was kind of nice to sit in a room with people that shared some of my same issues and have a discussion. The only downside, everyone in the group was at least 15 years older then me, which I see as a an opportunity for more wisdom, but also worry that I won't fit in at the same time.

[lila11]

Hi gypsymama, I think that, like other groups, it will depend much on the other people in your group. I belong to my local NAMI group and absolutely love it. There are a few members that I don't care much for, but for the most part feel well accepted and have made some very good friends. Our group is very active so there are other opportunities: art therapy, art activies, writing group, reading group, weekly social group, holiday celebrations, etc.
I hope that you find your groups to be as helpful as I have mine.
~lila

Hope is works for you, gypsymama.

[turquoisesea]

I hope it works too! I'm sure it varies from group to group and person to person.

Maybe you can bond over a common activity even though the members of the group are older than you? For me if I was in your spot I would ask if anyone likes to bake (I like to bake, and so do many people), or crochet (I tried a few times and it was fun!), or whatever.

Best of luck, would love it if you kept us updated =)

[CindyLuWho]

They were once your age. And it couldn't hurt to listen to what they can share!

[gypsymama]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

I hope it works too! I'm sure it varies from group to group and person to person.

Maybe you can bond over a common activity even though the members of the group are older than you? For me if I was in your spot I would ask if anyone likes to bake (I like to bake, and so do many people), or crochet (I tried a few times and it was fun!), or whatever.

Best of luck, would love it if you kept us updated =)

They all wanted me to join the YMCA and do water aerobics. I've done them in the past, and they are fun, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all that yet.

[elishabrown67]

Support groups aren't for everyone. I have had two previous bouts of depression and the last being severe. I too was encouraged to go to a support group, but it made me extremely anxious and I couldn't wait to get out. I spoke to my doctor who was very encouraging and said there were lots of alternatives. I've tried lots of things and at the end of the summer last year I tried new method. It has helped me come off my meds and I feel a lot better than I ever did. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again and never give up. You will find something that works for you.

[turquoisesea]

Originally Posted by gypsymama

They all wanted me to join the YMCA and do water aerobics. I've done them in the past, and they are fun, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all that yet.

Give it time =) And you could always suggest an activity yourself ^^

[gypsymama]

Well, I went to my second support group today, a different one. It's for depression. When I said I was Bipolar, the weird looks started, not to mention that once again everyone in the group was at least 15 years older than me. I know that shouldn't bother me, but I'm covered in piercings and tattoos, and these people are from a different generation. Anyway, right after I started to open up about why I was there, and my suicide attempt, everyone in the group got even more weird. Turned out the women sitting next to me was in another group for Survivor's of Suicide because her brother killed himself. I didn't mean to upset her! How was I to know????? I just shut up after that. It was a complete flop. I give up on these groups. I went to two different ones, and did not really find them at all that helpful for me.

[shaggy dog]

I'm a facilitator for a support group here in Texas and my group usually ranges from 8 to 12 people. We welcome all and shun none. I'm sorry you've had bad experiences from the groups you've tried. You sound very tenacious and determined to overcome your problems though,so don't lose that quality and hang in there. shaggy