Feeling anxious can significantly limit your life, resulting in ongoing worries, feelings of fear or unease, excessive overthinking or catastrophising about the future, alongside various physical symptoms.
It can be an isolating experience, especially when those around you struggle to understand your emotions.
Participating in a support group can offer help by connecting you with others who share similar feelings and experiences, providing a sense of understanding and empathy.
As Dr. Amen highlights in his book "Feel Better Fast and Make it Last," social interaction is crucial for human well-being. The need to belong is as essential as the need for sustenance and water.
A support group can fulfill this vital need for social connection, ensuring you don't have to face challenges alone.
A support group comprises individuals with shared experiences, creating opportunities for mutual support and assistance.
Engaging in a support group can be highly beneficial, aiding in the healing process, boosting confidence, and fostering new relationships.
Here are 5 ways I feel an anxiety support group can help you.
1. Realising you are not alone.
Often, particularly with something like anxiety, you may feel that you're the only one enduring certain experiences—those feelings of dread, the constant worry, the catastrophising, and so on.
Finding solace in hearing others' experiences can be relieving.
It might be the first time you hear about others experiences and recognise how they mirror your own.
Anxiety can be incredibly isolating, whether it's seeing others manage things you find challenging, or sensing judgment from others for your actions.
Being among those who understand and discussing similar experiences can be comforting, helping you realize you're not alone and that there are others who truly understand and sympathize with what you're enduring.
2. It is a space that allows you to talk openly and honestly about how you feel.
If you feel hesitant to discuss your issues with your family and friends due to the fear of being misunderstood or not wanting to burden them, you might find it easier to open up in a group setting with individuals who can relate to your experiences.
By listening to the stories of others, you can gain a better understanding of your emotions and feel more comfortable discussing them openly with those who will listen, comprehend, and support you.
A support group will establish clear boundaries regarding confidentiality, ensuring that whatever is shared within the group remains confidential.
Knowing that others in the group can empathise with your situation can boost your confidence and alleviate any concerns about being judged, making it easier for you to communicate.
3. It helps you gain a better understanding of your anxiety and helps you find new ways to cope.
Group members are encouraged to openly discuss their anxiety, express how situations affect them, and share their fears, challenges, and symptoms.
Engaging in such conversations can be incredibly empowering and liberating for individuals.
By listening to others' experiences, you can learn to acknowledge your feelings and receive support from fellow members in developing strategies to manage anxiety.
You have the opportunity to acquire coping mechanisms, explore new approaches, and gain different perspectives from peers.
As you enhance your understanding, acceptance, and coping mechanisms for anxiety, your confidence is likely to grow as well.
4. You have the opportunity to help others.
Helping fellow group members can be equally fulfilling as helping yourself.
By listening to the experiences of other group members, you can help them learn from your own experiences. This mutual support will lead to personal growth and progress in managing and alleviating anxiety for both you and the other members.
Sharing your achievements, offering support, and lending an ear to others will all play a role in your own recovery and that of the group as a whole.
5. You socialise with others and make new friends.
Dealing with anxiety can often turn social situations into a challenging experience, causing you to withdraw or refrain from participating.
A support group will enable you to engage at your own pace and learn how to feel more comfortable in social settings and even lead to making new friends who become your support circle.
Being part of a support group is a crucial step in managing and alleviating your anxiety, and I would be delighted to welcome you to SeeClear Counselling's NEW Online Anxiety Support Group.
Undoubtedly, joining an anxiety support group can also trigger anxiety.
You will never be pressured to do anything you are not comfortable with.
If you prefer to observe and familiarise yourself with the group before actively participating, that is perfectly acceptable.
Numbers are limited to 6 per group so please contact me to join or ask any questions you may have
Tel: - 07975733029
E-Mail: - laura@seeclearcounselling.co.uk
Laura Knight is a qualified and experienced counsellor and registered member of BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
She is an approved Anxiety UK Therapist and has her own private practice SeeClear Counselling, in Poole Dorset.
She offers face to face, telephone and video counselling sessions and group sessions.
Laura specialises in working with adults who struggle with anxiety helping them to find ways to lead a calmer life through talking therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
For more information about Laura please visit her website https://www.seeclearcounselling.co.uk
Visit her Facebook page https://facebook.com/seeclearcounselling
or Tel 07975733029
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