Social Anxiety Support

Toad Licker · 07-09-2009, 01:05 PM

I don't know if there are any SA groups in my area, there probably are since I live in a city. I've been asked by my counselor if I wanted to join a group but so far have yet to find any that sounded interesting to me. I'd most likely join an SA group if I found one nearby.

UltraShy · 07-09-2009, 04:11 PM

I'd be willing to meet others in my area with SA. In fact, I've met 5 SAS members in person.

Problem with SA meetings is that the people who attend them (or rather don't attend) have SA. Someone who lives in Madison tried to find people early this year who'd want to get together somewhere in Wisconsin, with the idea of meeting in Madison, Milwaukee or anywhere in the 75 miles between. She gave up, describing it as "like trying round up a herd of cats". I can certainly understand her frustration and eventual giving up. It's hard as hell to pry those with SA out of their home and into a gathering. When I met with 4 other SAS members back 3 years ago I ended up being more talkative than most of them. You know there's a problem when I seem like the talkative one.

slylikeafox · 07-09-2009, 04:15 PM

I would join a group that was started by others with SA. I would probably be willing to pay if it wasn't too pricy

dax · 07-09-2009, 06:13 PM

There is a group in my area and I am planning on going to one of their meetings to check it out.

bk · 07-09-2009, 08:58 PM

I was in a therapist run CBT group for awhile, but I dropped out because I love quitting things. I would probably be willing to try something like that in the future. I would also be willing to meet people from this site for social activities or even CBT if that was the only option. I have met someone off of this site in person.

Sunshine009 · 07-09-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraShy

I'd be willing to meet others in my area with SA. In fact, I've met 5 SAS members in person.

Problem with SA meetings is that the people who attend them (or rather don't attend) have SA. Someone who lives in Madison tried to find people early this year who'd want to get together somewhere in Wisconsin, with the idea of meeting in Madison, Milwaukee or anywhere in the 75 miles between. She gave up, describing it as "like trying round up a herd of cats". I can certainly understand her frustration and eventual giving up. It's hard as hell to pry those with SA out of their home and into a gathering. When I met with 4 other SAS members back 3 years ago I ended up being more talkative than most of them. You know there's a problem when I seem like the talkative one.

That's why there should be furry serene animals at every gathering, along with food, music, and amusement rides or volleyball or minigolf or water polo. Okay maybe just the animals.

scaredtolive · 07-10-2009, 03:59 PM

I signed up for an SA group on meetup.com in Raleigh. I've never been though.

Hoth · 07-11-2009, 07:57 PM

I go to SA groups, embarrass myself or otherwise decide I can't return, avoid seeing those people ever again, and find another group to go to. Ready to repeat the process whenever a new group is available.

AceRimmer · 07-11-2009, 09:44 PM

Although I'd like to go to one, my awkwardness would weird people out so nyet to attending one.

WineKitty · 07-13-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraShy

I'd be willing to meet others in my area with SA. In fact, I've met 5 SAS members in person.

Problem with SA meetings is that the people who attend them (or rather don't attend) have SA. Someone who lives in Madison tried to find people early this year who'd want to get together somewhere in Wisconsin, with the idea of meeting in Madison, Milwaukee or anywhere in the 75 miles between. She gave up, describing it as "like trying round up a herd of cats". I can certainly understand her frustration and eventual giving up. It's hard as hell to pry those with SA out of their home and into a gathering. When I met with 4 other SAS members back 3 years ago I ended up being more talkative than most of them. You know there's a problem when I seem like the talkative one.

I think he means a more structured setting or maybe I am reading it wrong? At least you live in an area where these things are possible. I live in the boondocks of middle America so its not even a possibility for me.

Drew · 07-13-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Beyond the "Groups" functionality currently available on the forums, we are considering introducing a separate section of the site specifically for forming groups (social, peer to peer and therapist)

Are there any features or functionality that you think would make it easier to form, organize, and keep a group going (for any of the three types of groups)? Any suggestions are welcome!

One example of things that will be available is searching by zip code to find groups and people interested in starting/joining groups within XX miles of you.

Thanks!

coldmorning · 07-13-2009, 06:31 PM

I was thinking maybe we could have a social anxiety group that isn't about socializing or therapy, per se. While we all know we each have SA and that silence is acceptable, we still feel weird about saying nothing when we meet. And the possibility of any awkwardness is enough to deter some from going. I remember reading someone who described an SA meeting he went to and felt terrible afterward because the other SAers managed to talk to each other but he couldn't. So it was even worse then feeling left out of a regular group.

So maybe something like an art class or music lessons for those with SA. People could show up and you wouldn't have to talk or feel weird about silence. The focus would be on painting or whatever and not socializing or even therapy. We could try to find what skills some of us have to share. I have no idea how this would work in practice though.

shyvr6 · 07-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Sounds like an interesting idea. I would think about going to one if I could control the anticipatory anxiety.

Witan · 07-21-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCL XI

There's at least one in my area. I have no interest currently.

I've never been to one, but I imagine that's exactly how it would turn out for me. A local group's activities were rather summercamp-y, which would've been pure torture for me. Stuff like skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, tourist spots, etc. I'm not into that stuff at all, so it wouldn't matter who I'm there with.

If anyone wants to start an SA street gang though, PM me.

Haha, I'm all for it.

Just as long as I don't have to dress like the people in your pic

As for the poll, I'd do any of the first three. I was in a general therapy group, so I know I can get myself to go. The social activities choice is especially appealing. One thing that bummed me about group therapy is that you get to know people who are dealing with the same things you are, but you can't hang out with them. No subgrouping :-(

Phibes · 07-21-2009, 06:50 PM

I would push myself to go

Traci · 07-30-2009, 11:52 AM

First three here. I don't know of any groups in my area though. D:

KemikalPsykosis · 08-04-2009, 07:04 PM

I'd like to join a group, but think I would be too anxious to join one.

Mercurochrome · 08-17-2009, 01:18 PM

"Please try again later"

Drew · 08-18-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercurochrome

"Please try again later"

Was that message displayed to you when you tried to vote?

TorLin · 08-18-2009, 12:48 PM

I have gone to several meetups with my group. It has been a great and wonderful experience for me, and I say signing up is good, but until you have gone to a support group that has people that truly care is a plus.

for those who are on a meetup.com group, and just havent gone yet, i'd say push yourself to go ( yah yeah i know easy to say that do ), but hey If i can go to one, you can too. get your courage up, and try not to think of anxiety.

View Poll Results: Would you join a social anxiety group in you area? (you can select multiple options)
I'd join a therapy group run by a psycologist or therapist (pay per session)	48	29.45%
I'd join a peer-to-peer therapy group based on commonly used CBT for social anxiety disorder (free except for CBT materials)	63	38.65%
I'd join a social group that focuses on doing social activities (free except for any activities done)	89	54.60%
I'd like to join a group, but think I would be too anxious to join one	49	30.06%
There are already group(s) in my area and I've attended one	12	7.36%
There are already group(s) in my area and I haven't attended one	16	9.82%
I have no interest in joining a group of any kind	22	13.50%
Other (include your comments in a reply post)	4	2.45%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 163. You may not vote on this poll

07-09-2009, 01:05 PM	#21 (permalink)
Toad Licker Status: Broken Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: A Fruitloop Daydream Gender: Male Age: 44 Posts: 29,596	I don't know if there are any SA groups in my area, there probably are since I live in a city. I've been asked by my counselor if I wanted to join a group but so far have yet to find any that sounded interesting to me. I'd most likely join an SA group if I found one nearby. __________________ All will wither, go to sleep The ones you love you may not keep All you touch will fall apart The dreams you kill will break your heart There's no mercy, there's no rest The void will scream within your chest No one knows and no one will So leave this place that makes you Ill - Madder Mortem

07-09-2009, 04:11 PM	#22 (permalink)
UltraShy Status: Accident of Birth Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI (Atheist, Libertarian) Gender: Male Age: 36 Posts: 24,572	I'd be willing to meet others in my area with SA. In fact, I've met 5 SAS members in person. Problem with SA meetings is that the people who attend them (or rather don't attend) have SA. Someone who lives in Madison tried to find people early this year who'd want to get together somewhere in Wisconsin, with the idea of meeting in Madison, Milwaukee or anywhere in the 75 miles between. She gave up, describing it as "like trying round up a herd of cats". I can certainly understand her frustration and eventual giving up. It's hard as hell to pry those with SA out of their home and into a gathering. When I met with 4 other SAS members back 3 years ago I ended up being more talkative than most of them. You know there's a problem when I seem like the talkative one. __________________ Nothing is ever the way it should be What we deserve we just don't get you see http://www.insureyourgunrights.com/

07-09-2009, 04:15 PM	#23 (permalink)
slylikeafox Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Michigan Gender: Male Age: 23 Posts: 1,685	I would join a group that was started by others with SA. I would probably be willing to pay if it wasn't too pricy __________________ "Aim at the sun, and you may not reach it; but your arrow will fly far higher than if aimed at an object on a level with yourself" - Joel Hawes

07-09-2009, 06:13 PM	#24 (permalink)
dax Status: Losing Ground Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Boston Gender: Male Posts: 2,237	There is a group in my area and I am planning on going to one of their meetings to check it out. __________________ My Youtube Page I just don't fit in this place Their thoughts cast me out of here Their home has run out of space My mind's already out of here Won't you come along dear? Won't you come along?

07-09-2009, 08:58 PM	#25 (permalink)
bk Status: ... Join Date: May 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta Age: 25 Posts: 2,499	I was in a therapist run CBT group for awhile, but I dropped out because I love quitting things. I would probably be willing to try something like that in the future. I would also be willing to meet people from this site for social activities or even CBT if that was the only option. I have met someone off of this site in person.

07-10-2009, 03:59 PM	#27 (permalink)
scaredtolive Status: SAS Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: here and there Gender: Male Posts: 524	I signed up for an SA group on meetup.com in Raleigh. I've never been though.

07-11-2009, 07:57 PM	#28 (permalink)
Hoth Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern California Gender: Male Age: 29 Posts: 321	I go to SA groups, embarrass myself or otherwise decide I can't return, avoid seeing those people ever again, and find another group to go to. Ready to repeat the process whenever a new group is available. __________________ "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." - Marie Curie

07-11-2009, 09:44 PM	#29 (permalink)
AceRimmer Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Age: 34 Posts: 93	Although I'd like to go to one, my awkwardness would weird people out so nyet to attending one.

07-13-2009, 06:08 PM	#31 (permalink)
Drew Status: Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Gender: Male Posts: 1,381	Thanks everyone for your feedback! Beyond the "Groups" functionality currently available on the forums, we are considering introducing a separate section of the site specifically for forming groups (social, peer to peer and therapist) Are there any features or functionality that you think would make it easier to form, organize, and keep a group going (for any of the three types of groups)? Any suggestions are welcome! One example of things that will be available is searching by zip code to find groups and people interested in starting/joining groups within XX miles of you. Thanks!

07-13-2009, 06:31 PM	#32 (permalink)
coldmorning Status: Add water and shake Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Northern California Gender: Male Posts: 2,122	I was thinking maybe we could have a social anxiety group that isn't about socializing or therapy, per se. While we all know we each have SA and that silence is acceptable, we still feel weird about saying nothing when we meet. And the possibility of any awkwardness is enough to deter some from going. I remember reading someone who described an SA meeting he went to and felt terrible afterward because the other SAers managed to talk to each other but he couldn't. So it was even worse then feeling left out of a regular group. So maybe something like an art class or music lessons for those with SA. People could show up and you wouldn't have to talk or feel weird about silence. The focus would be on painting or whatever and not socializing or even therapy. We could try to find what skills some of us have to share. I have no idea how this would work in practice though.

07-13-2009, 08:35 PM	#33 (permalink)
shyvr6 Status: Makin Waves Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Somewhere on a map. Gender: Male Posts: 9,645	Sounds like an interesting idea. I would think about going to one if I could control the anticipatory anxiety. __________________ Music

07-21-2009, 06:50 PM	#35 (permalink)
Phibes Status: blessed with lucky sevens Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia. Gender: Male Age: 21 Posts: 640	I would push myself to go

07-30-2009, 11:52 AM	#36 (permalink)
Traci Status: Making some changes... Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Colorado Gender: Female Age: 20 Posts: 461	First three here. I don't know of any groups in my area though. D: __________________ "Life is waiting for you, it's all messed up, but we'll survive."

08-04-2009, 07:04 PM	#37 (permalink)
KemikalPsykosis Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3	I'd like to join a group, but think I would be too anxious to join one.

08-17-2009, 01:18 PM	#38 (permalink)
Mercurochrome Status: see other Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: away Age: 29 Posts: 2,964	"Please try again later" __________________ well acquainted with worms and dirt

08-18-2009, 12:48 PM	#40 (permalink)
TorLin Status: MayTheForceBeWithYou Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California Gender: Male Posts: 17,058	I have gone to several meetups with my group. It has been a great and wonderful experience for me, and I say signing up is good, but until you have gone to a support group that has people that truly care is a plus. for those who are on a meetup.com group, and just havent gone yet, i'd say push yourself to go ( yah yeah i know easy to say that do ), but hey If i can go to one, you can too. get your courage up, and try not to think of anxiety. __________________ MTFBWU (May The Force Be With You) - TORLIN AIM, MSN, YIM: T0RL1N Skype: Tor_Lin Visit me at; ToryLing.com \| LivingAnxious \| Facebook \| Myspace \| Last.fm