[Angelwngs25]

I don't know what to expect or how to get along or talk to other people in the group. Mainly because my doctor told me I probably have Social Anxiety Disorder but he wouldn't diagnose me with it and put it in my file because I'm already on meds for it. He also said I have PTSD from when my dad abused me and being homeless didn't help. I don't know what to talk about in the group. Are support groups like AA meetings where you say your name and what your problem (mental illness) is? I don't know what to expect. Should I say that my previous Psych told me that I have PTSD and Social Anxiety Disorder? Because I really agree with him. I know I have that, have know it for a while. Hoping to get my next Temp Psych to listen to me and at least give me the diagnosis if they think I have it.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi Angelwngs25,

Good luck wit your support group that you are going to tonight for your mental disorders.

I have never had the fortunate opportunity of having the chance to attend one.

Please give us feedback and let us know how it goes.

Best wishes with this.

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Hi Angelwngs25,

Good luck wit your support group that you are going to tonight for your mental disorders.

I have never had the fortunate opportunity of having the chance to attend one.

Please give us feedback and let us know how it goes.

Best wishes with this.

Thank you so much Hooligan.

[jaynedough]

Hi Angelwings.
Support groups don't always follow a standard format. What I would suggest is to use your first time as a way to learn how the group works. Someone will probably be a leader or facilitator. They usually explain how the group works, what the confidentiality rules are, etc. The ones I've been to have been pretty laid back, but it has been a while since I've gone to a meeting.

I used to co-facilitate an affective d/o support group. We made sure everyone had a chance to speak up. We also made sure that if someone wasn't up to participating they knew they were free to sit there and listen. We never needled anyone who didn't want to participate.

I hope you have a great time and that this experience is as helpful to you as it was to me.

[Angelwngs25]

Originally Posted by jaynedough

Hi Angelwings.
Support groups don't always follow a standard format. What I would suggest is to use your first time as a way to learn how the group works. Someone will probably be a leader or facilitator. They usually explain how the group works, what the confidentiality rules are, etc. The ones I've been to have been pretty laid back, but it has been a while since I've gone to a meeting.

I used to co-facilitate an affective d/o support group. We made sure everyone had a chance to speak up. We also made sure that if someone wasn't up to participating they knew they were free to sit there and listen. We never needled anyone who didn't want to participate.

I hope you have a great time and that this experience is as helpful to you as it was to me.

I wish I could have gone but my stupid insurance set up a specific time for the cab to take me home from my Doctors appointment which for some stupid reason was 11:15 PM. And I never got to go. I didn't have to wait until 11:15 PM but I got home too late to catch the other cab my psych clinic set up for me to go to my group.

Try to go if you can! I've had a very positive experience in a local bipolar support group and was a facilitator for years. Sadly, the group disbanded but I can say without a doubt it was a very positive experience for me.