Have support groups helped anyone with anxiety (separation and social)?

I have not any experience with them but for me I think they would be of great benefit, share like stories learn new ways to cope and it is a distraction, There are no mental health groups in my area or I would certainly try them

Hi @Mtx, welcome to the forum.

I've had social anxiety since childhood. I tried a support group at a local mental health organisation for a few months last year and found it helpful. Anything to get me out of the flat is good. Even just sitting with other people and listening to them speak helped me. For some reason I find it much easier to socialise with other people with mental health struggles. Not so many expectations of how I should behave somehow. Anyway, it helped grow my confidence to step out a bit more. This has continued to improve with me engaging with different social activities. So I'd say try it, you might really like it with time.

Hi @Mtx,

Welcome to the Forums and thanks for your post.

It's really normal to feel anxious about attending a support group for the first time, particuarly a support group for social anxiety! You're facing your fear head on, and that's never easy! It's great that you feel motivated to do that, it can be a really great way to start to conquer your fears and build confidence in your social self!

I use to help run a group for anxiety a little while ago, and one of the first things we would always stress to new members was the trememdous courage they've shown by coming to the group. Sometimes people thought about attending the group for months but were too nervous and backed out several times, or even got halfway there and turned around. So if you feel nervous about attending, you're certainly not alone! In my experience, most of the people I encountered found them to be very helpful. Everyone is different of course, and some might find them more helpful than others! And of course, while most people certainly feel uncomfortable and nervous at first (myself included!) I've generally found that most really enjoy being able to share their story with people with similar experiences to them, much like on this Forum. Sometimes people would attend and just sit with us, watching and listening, and after a few months, they then might feel more comfortable to share and participate in discussion. My take home message, I guess, is that groups can be a really great resource, but it's always important to go at your own pace, and work with what you feel comfortable, and know that it might take a bit of time to find your feet.

Hope others have some helpful things to share. Welcome again and look forward to 'seeing' you around soon.

supernova.

@Mtx welcome to the forums

while i havent joined a support group, if your up for it id say go for it, you can always leave if you dont like it...

your also always welcome to be on here and dissucss anything on your mind good or bad as well for more support